People working for the greater good in the second half of life.

Jim and Roberta McLaughlin are Maryknoll Catholic missionaries in Cambodia. Jim is a microbiologist, now using his training to help develop a well-functioning microbiology laboratory in Cambodia; Roberta is bringing her organizational development skills to her new work at an NGO as a teacher, particularly in life skills and critical thinking. Prior to their work in Cambodia, the McLaughlins spent two years in Bolivia working at a shelter for street children. More on Jim and Roberta McLaughlin >

Carol Harris-Mannes. After more than 40 years of success in the entertainment industry, Carol Harris-Mannes left the stage and behind-the-scenes production work to finish her undergraduate degree and earn a master's in social work. Now she works full time as a social worker with The Actors' Fund of America in New York City. More on Carol Harris-Mannes >

Susie Cavanaugh retired after 30 years as a public school teacher in Lexington, Kentucky, and stepped into a full-time paid role with United Way. She coordinates its Get on Board program and recruits, trains, and places people from underrepresented populations on the boards of nonprofit organizations in her community. More on Susie Cavanaugh >

Tony Essaye retired from his law firm at 68 and helped launch the International Senior Lawyers Project, a nonprofit that promotes the rule of law in less developed nations and has placed 100 lawyers in 40 projects around the world. Essaye now volunteers full time as the organization's co-president. More on Tony Essaye >

Naomi Baskin retired after 25 years in real estate to join Experience Corps, a national service program for older adults. She now spends 15 hours each week tutoring elementary school students in some of San Francisco's most challenged neighborhoods. "I can tell you unequivocally that I have at last found my passion," she says. "Too bad it took me into middle age to do so!"

Dave Miller spent 30 years at BellSouth, then took early retirement and went looking for new challenges. He's now the full-time director of operations at Crisis Assistance Ministry, a nonprofit group in Charlotte, North Carolina, providing assistance and advocacy for people in financial crisis.

Ed Speedling worked as a hospital administrator and organizational change specialist for years. Then he changed himself. He's now the outreach coordinator for Project HOME in Philadelphia, one of the country's most innovative initiatives responding to homelessness.

More stories from Marc Freedman's acclaimed book Prime Time >