Today’s guest post is written by Joseph Baker. He enjoys volunteering in his community, writing, and baking. Read his work at professionalintern.com.

In 2009, one in eight Americans were 65 years or older. The U.S. Administration on Aging projects the number of older Americans will nearly double by the year 2030, when nearly one in five people will be a senior citizen. There will be more elderly Americans and these seniors will expect a higher quality of life than ever before.

This means there will be more opportunities to serve the elderly in the decades ahead. Many companies are now exploring ways to help seniors live safe, independent lives. For example, a senior alert system allows older people to summon help during an emergency. Fortunately, you don’t need to be part of a large company to assist seniors in your community.

Serving the elderly is a complex proposition. There is almost no end to the variety of ways in which you can help older people live full and independent lives. You don’t need any special skills or degrees to improve the life of an elderly person. Seniors need the most help performing activities of daily living, like doing laundry and cooking meals—things you already know how to do.

Start by helping out older people in your own family or neighborhood. Offer to go grocery shopping for them. While this is a convenience for them, it is also an education for you. Learn what groceries, over-the-counter medications and hygiene products are appropriate for an older person. Purchase products that are easy to prepare and come in easy-to-open packages. While you put the groceries away, note whether your neighbor or family member is able to do dishes and other housework. Volunteer to do these chores. Offer to do yard work and shovel snow when appropriate.

Stop by your local hospital, rehabilitation center or nursing home. Many institutions gratefully accept volunteers to talk with patients and residents, help them write letters or sing a song with them. While these activities may not seem important to younger people, rehabilitation specialists now recognize this interaction as an important part of a senior citizen’s occupational therapy.

As you grow comfortable serving the elderly, you may consider becoming a nurse’s aide. You will learn how to safely serve the elderly on a deeper level, like how to feed someone who cannot move their arms or help a stroke victim move from the bed to a chair. Certification is usually inexpensive and you can typically complete the course in a few weeks. While you do not need any special certification to volunteer, a class can teach you how to provide better care for a senior citizen.

Serving the elderly will change your life. While science and technology has changed our world dramatically in the past few years, some of life’s lessons do not change from generation to generation. Senior citizens have decades of experience to share with you—unlock  their knowledge by helping out a neighbor or family member, volunteering your time at a senior center or getting a job at the local nursing home. It may well be a life-changing decision.