Whether it's through the arts, social welfare, education, or health, organisations benefit enormously from the input of volunteers aged 50 and over.
Table of contents:
Who are they?
People over 50 years of age make up approximately 30 per cent of the Queensland population (ABS census 2006). The ageing of the population means that not only are more people living longer, they are also maintaining higher levels of health and wellbeing. Although the rates of volunteering for this age group may be lower than other age groups, generally over 50s contribute significantly more hours per week to volunteering than other ages.
Why involve the over 50s in your organisation?
- People over 50 years of age are more likely to give their time regularly and consistently and remain committed to an organisation.
- People who have retired from paid work or finished child rearing are looking for ways to participate in their communities.
- Older people are particularly interested in using their existing skills and experience to contribute to society.
- There is a predicted decrease in the numbers of volunteers for organisations that have traditionally relied on younger volunteers, such as sporting and educational organisations. Recruiting volunteers who are 50 and over is a way for your organisation to maintain their volunteer base into the future.
Why do people aged over 50 get involved?
This age group is looking for flexible volunteering opportunities that can combine with lifestyle factors such as work, looking after grandchildren, retirement and travelling.
People aged 50 and over volunteer for different reasons including:
- to help others or the community
- personal satisfaction and enjoyment
- a transition from work into retirement
- new skills and new experiences
- to meet people and remain active in the community.
What changes can your organisation make?
- Ensure policies and practices are not discriminatory. Can you abolish age limits by changing the kind of activities available?
- Be more adaptable. Look at your programs and see if they are flexible in terms of the length of the activity or where it can be done. Could your organisation tailor volunteer activities to suit individual capabilities?
- Think about trends such as family volunteering, corporate volunteering or volunteering online volunteering online to take advantage of people making the transition from work to retirement.
- Don't make assumptions about the interests or abilities of older people. Though they may not always be looking for something to put on their resumé they are still open to learning new skills, not to mention putting old ones into practice.
Tips for attracting older volunteers
To attract older volunteers:
- Emphasise the opportunity to meet new people as well as make a difference to the community. Volunteering is a good way to develop new social networks, which is particularly important to people who may be making the transition to retirement.
- Clarify any reimbursement of costs particularly for travel since this can be a key factor for many people making the transition from work to retirement, as well as those who are already retired.
- Be available to talk face to face as people in this age group value social contact.
- Avoid the assumption that everyone has computers and Internet access.
- Consider new avenues for finding older volunteers such as professional groups and social clubs, local newspapers and radio.
- Offer time-limited projects.
- Get your older volunteers to help evaluate the program to improve and develop it.
- Check your insurance policy covers volunteers aged 50 and above.
- Acknowledge and reward your volunteers
Links
Our Community
Volunteering Queensland
Volunteering Australia
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