Volunteering Development Officer Dave Thomas has recently had a birthday, which has prompted him to think about whether organisations make the best use of older volunteers’ skills and experience.
A browse through the volunteering opportunities on the NCVS website will find more than a few roles offering to develop a potential volunteer’s skills and experience for the future. While this is an important motivation for some younger people, are we at risk of overlooking potential volunteers who already have a lifetime of the very skills and experiences that our organisations are looking to harness?
In recent years, the landscape of volunteering has evolved significantly, with older adults becoming a vital force in community service. As societies around the world grapple with ageing populations, the involvement of older volunteers has emerged as not just a trend but a necessity. This demographic shift presents a golden opportunity to harness the unique strengths and wisdom that older volunteers bring to the table. Here’s why involving older adults in volunteer work is beneficial, not just for the communities they serve but for the volunteers themselves and the organisations they support.
A wealth of experience and skills
One of the most compelling reasons to engage older volunteers is their extensive life experience and skill sets. Many older adults come from diverse professional backgrounds, bringing a wide array of expertise to volunteer roles. Whether it's in leadership, administration, healthcare, education, or technical fields, these individuals possess skills that are often highly refined through decades of practice.
For organisations, this means access to a volunteer pool that requires less training and can take on more complex or specialised tasks. For example, a retired accountant can help a non-profit organisation manage its finances more effectively, while a former teacher might mentor at-risk youth. This transfer of knowledge and skills is invaluable and can significantly enhance the effectiveness of community initiatives.
Reliable and committed participation
Older volunteers often have more flexible schedules compared to their younger counterparts, many of whom may be balancing careers, education, and family responsibilities. This flexibility allows older adults to commit more time to volunteer activities, making them a reliable resource for organisations. Their commitment often translates into longer-term volunteer engagements, which is crucial for projects that require consistency and continuity.
Moreover, older adults tend to have a strong sense of responsibility and work ethic, making them dependable volunteers. This reliability can be particularly beneficial for organisations that operate on tight budgets and rely heavily on volunteer support.
Enhanced social connections and community integration
For older adults, volunteering offers significant social benefits. Many retirees face the challenge of social isolation, especially after leaving the workforce. Volunteering provides an avenue for them to stay engaged with their communities, build new friendships, and maintain a sense of purpose. This social interaction is not only fulfilling but also contributes to better mental and physical health.
Community organisations can play a pivotal role in helping older adults maintain their social connections, which in turn fosters a more integrated and cohesive community. By involving older volunteers, organisations can help bridge generational gaps, fostering understanding and cooperation between different age groups.
Positive health outcomes
Research has consistently shown that volunteering can have positive effects on the health of older adults. Engaging in meaningful activities can reduce the risk of depression, improve cognitive function, and even increase longevity. The physical activity associated with many volunteer roles can also help older adults stay active and healthy, further enhancing their quality of life.
For example, a study published by the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that older adults who volunteer regularly are less likely to experience declines in physical health and more likely to maintain functional independence compared to those who do not volunteer.
Contributing to a sustainable future
As the global population ages, the number of older adults is projected to increase significantly. According to the United Nations, by 2050, one in six people in the world will be over the age of 65. Involving older volunteers is a proactive way to ensure that this growing demographic remains active, engaged, and contributes positively to society.
This trend also has economic implications. Older volunteers often provide services that would otherwise need to be funded, reducing the financial burden on community organisations and allowing limited resources to be allocated more effectively. In this way, older volunteers play a crucial role in supporting sustainable community development.
A diverse perspective
Involving older adults in volunteer work brings diversity to organisations. Their life experiences offer unique perspectives that can enrich the decision-making process and improve the outcomes of community programs. Older volunteers can provide insights into the needs and preferences of their generation, helping organisations tailor their services to better meet the needs of the elderly population.
This diversity of thought is particularly valuable in intergenerational programs where older volunteers work alongside younger individuals. Such collaborations can lead to innovative solutions to community challenges, as different perspectives are brought together to tackle issues from multiple angles.
Conclusion
The advantages of involving older volunteers are numerous and far-reaching. Their experience, commitment, and unique perspectives make them an invaluable asset to any community organisation. As demographic trends continue to shift towards an ageing population, the inclusion of older adults in volunteer activities will not only benefit the individuals involved but also contribute to stronger, more resilient communities. By recognising and leveraging the strengths of older volunteers, we can build a future where everyone, regardless of age, plays a vital role in creating positive change.
As always, I welcome your feedback, do you have older volunteers on your team? Maybe you are an older volunteer? Let me know at davet@nottinghamcvs.co.uk. Find out more about volunteering and search through our database of local volunteering opportunities here.
