AARP Orlando Volunteers Turn Friendship Into a Trip of a Lifetime

Five AARP Orlando volunteers who met serving their community ended up building lifelong friendships — and a second family – thanks to the time they’ve shared volunteering with AARP. For Gymara de Obaldia, Hilda Diaz, Alicia and Samuel Ramirez, and Lydia Rivera, what began as volunteering turned into a trip-of-a-lifetime to Turkey, and their story is a reminder of how lifelong friendships can form at any age.

But, before we share more about the group’s beautiful trip, how did these five become such close friends?

De Obaldia, Diaz, and Rivera joined AARP Orlando within the past two years, and they quickly became friends with each other and the Ramirezes, who are seasoned volunteers. Similar interests, shared cultures, and a passion for bettering their communities caused an immediate bond to form between the group.

“I view volunteering with AARP not as a job. The thing is that once you start getting involved, you want to continue to do everything because you just want to be around the people who you have so much fun with,” explains Diaz.

The group has volunteered together for over a year now, growing closer with each event. While leaving a volunteer pizza-making class hosted by AARP Orlando, Samuel and Alicia Ramirez were sharing stories about their love for travel. De Obaldia, a seasoned traveler as well, mentioned Turkey as a great destination, the response was immediate.

“When Lydia, Hilda, Alicia, and Sam heard that, they didn’t hesitate and said, “Find out more, because we’re going!” said De Obaldia.

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The planning began from there, and five months later the group was exploring Turkey through a ten-day, Spanish-speaking tour organized by de Obaldia. From visiting the historic ruins of Ephesus to climbing ancient mountains and eating in a restaurant built within a man-made cave, the group made memories they will never forget. And next year? Even more AARP Orlando volunteers are coming along on a two-week cruise across the Nordic countries and Switzerland.

“I am so thankful to be an AARP volunteer,” expresses Rivera. “We’re truly a family. It’s so important to us. And now, our family is traveling together!”

The journey of these five AARP Orlando volunteers is more than a travel tale — it’s a testament to the power of community, connection, and saying “yes” to new experiences. What began as simple acts of service grew into deep bonds, shared adventures, and a chosen family that continues to expand with every event, every trip, and every new volunteer who joins their circle. Their story is a reminder that it’s never too late to find friendship, purpose, and joy.

“You don't need to be in this stage of your life alone,” explains Alicia Ramirez. “You can have a group of people that will support you, and they will be there for you. And this is what aging is all about – sharing new memories with new people that you meet through an organization that is looking out for all of us.”

To learn more about becoming an AARP Florida volunteer, visit us at aarp.org/flvolunteer.