<p>"Forget the mapped-out cruises or packaged vacations to see the world. A growing number of Americans over 50 are dedicating time in their golden years to volunteering abroad. The decision is becoming more attractive with a sickly national economy sparking more layoffs and early retirement packages.</p>
<p>“The economic crisis is giving them an opportunity to take a break,” said Vanessa Noel, an associate director in the nonprofit department of Alliance Abroad Group. The Austin, Texas-based company offers work, teaching and volunteer programs to students and graduates in the U.S. and abroad. Noel coordinates volunteer trips abroad that typically last between two and 12 weeks.</p>
<p>Inquiries from eager adults over 50 have flooded her office in recent months – so much so that she is creating new programs this summer to Costa Rica and Ecuador tailored to older volunteers that will last several weeks…</p>
<p>Applications for the Peace Corps from adults over 50 have spiked 44 percent in 2008 compared to 2007, driven largely by the weak economy and a campaign launched in 2007 to lure mature volunteers. All applicants to the Peace Corps – a federal program created in 1961 that puts Americans overseas in places of need – must pass background checks and a health test. Married couples are allowed to join together.</p>
<p>By the end of 2008, there were 428 Peace Corps volunteers over age 50 in the field in countries all over the world, from South Africa and Romania to the Eastern Caribbean, challenging the traditional image of the 20-something, post-college volunteer. …"
[More</a> older Americans signing on to volunteer abroad - CNN.com](<a href=“http://www.cnn.com/2009/TRAVEL/04/23/older.volunteers.abroad/index.html]More”>More older Americans signing on to volunteer abroad - CNN.com)</p>