Select a page
Type too small?

The Positive and Beneficial Roles of Volunteerism for Older Adults

After working for many years I was looking forward to retirement. My life had always been busy, and like many women I had juggled raising a family and establishing a career. This would be the time when I could read, work in the garden, do some traveling and at times just sit and do nothing. During the first year of retirement I did all these things. But something was missing. I needed to be more involved in the community and to take on new challenges. Thus I joined the thousands of older adults and began my journey as a senior volunteer.

According to a Statistics Canada 2011 survey 14.7% of Canada’s population was over the age of 65. With longer life expectancies, the aging of the baby-boomers, and continuing immigration it is projected this number will increase to 16% in 2016 and 25% in 2036. Upon retirement thousands of seniors choose to focus their energy and expertise on activities and causes that are of interest to them and volunteerism does just that. In 2010, 36.5% of the 65-75 age group contributed on average 235 hours of volunteer work a year and those over 75 years 198 hours per year. Through analysis of the statistical data over several successive surveys the 2010 Canada Survey of Giving, Volunteering and Participating concludes that women and men give equally of their time, the volunteer rate for those over the age of 65 have decreased while the average number hours has gradually increased. The lower rates in volunteering and in volunteer hours for the 75+ age groups are likely “due to limitations that may be created from health and mobility issues that increase with age.”

VARIOUS TYPES OF VOLUNTEERISM

Volunteer work takes numerous forms, and prospective volunteers have a plethora of choices. A volunteer placement may take place close to home or abroad. It may involve high degrees of responsibilities, intensity and specific expertise, or necessitate relaxed communication and people-oriented skills. Most volunteer placements require weekly or monthly commitments. According to Canada Survey of Giving, Volunteering and Participating (2010). The top four types of activities for older adults were: organizing/supervising events, fundraising, serving on committees or boards, and teaching/ mentoring. Also included in the survey but deemed less desirable were food distribution, clerical assistance, health care and social welfare, maintenance/repair and conservation/environmental protection. In her document Transforming 50+ Volunteering, D. E. Conners notes that “the highest average hours are given to

 
organizations that relate to: religion, politics, sports culture and social services.” When comparing age-groups the baby-boomers tend to be more involved with physically-challenging activities such as sport and recreation than those over the age of 65. Older adults tend to gravitate toward office work and serving on boards and committees, where their professional skills can be utilized. Thus, it is not surprising that Volunteer Canada’s research data shows that while the “non-profit volunteer base is getting younger, their leadership volunteers are older.

Screen Shot 2016-06-04 at 4.07.21 PM

THE REASON WHY OLDER ADULTS VOLUNTEER

Volunteering has the capacity to provide meaningful activities particularly after retirement. Older adults rarely volunteer their time and services for college or university credits, educational enrolment requirements or job opportunities. Instead they seek a meaningful experience where their particular talents and experience will be useful.

In her report Volunteering in Canada, 2004-2013 Maire Sinha states that for 95% of older volunteers, the greatest motivation was to make a contribution to the community and to use their acquired skills and experiences. Others reported that they had been deeply affected by a cause or an event in their lives and that was the main motivational factor when choosing a volunteer activity. Regardless of age and in order to have successful and rewarding volunteer experiences, prospective volunteers need to assess their own skills, talents, wants and needs. If there is a poor fit between novice volunteers and placements, it is likely that those individuals will withdraw from volunteer work; whereas a suitable placement creates loyalty, worthiness and service longevity.

THE BENEFITS OF VOLUNTEERING

It is a fact that volunteering increases self-confidence, self-esteem and life satisfaction. While in the workforce and raising families, people acquire several statuses such as a good parent, an excellent worker, a great provider and a “mover and shaker”. These are all valuable social assets, but many people have not established an identity separate from these roles. 

 
Consequently, when retirement has occurred these statuses may no longer be relevant. Volunteer service provides many older adults with a new sense of purpose and their community service helps define who they are. Volunteer Canada in its 2011 document Volunteering and Healthy Aging states that volunteering plays a vital role in healthy aging as it helps the older person to remain active and to be involved with the community. It also points out that older volunteers have reduced stress-related illnesses, have fewer hospital stays, lower depression rates, and are less likely to feel isolated. A 2008 Washington DC social policy issue brief Increasing Volunteerism among Older Adults: Benefits and Strategies for States goes even further and states that “remaining engaged in social activities is a key to staying physically and mentally healthy.” Volunteerism can soften the effects of aging on mortality rates, help offset the loss of purpose felt by many older adults, and can lead to an overall improved quality of life.

The week of April 10 – 16 is National Volunteer week in Canada. This is the time when the enormous economic and social contributions so freely provided by the over 3 million older volunteers are officially recognized and celebrated. However, volunteer appreciation needs to be ongoing. Today’s volunteers want placements where they can utilize their skills, talents, experience and interests. Volunteers must be shown appreciation; they must take pride in their accomplishments.

Without the benefit of tireless volunteers, the communities served by them stands to lose great human and financial assets. Most non-profit organizations report that volunteers increase the quality of services or programs and over 70% of agencies and community services surveyed, report cost savings as a result of volunteerism. It is estimated by the Volunteering in Canada 2004-2013 report that “the hours contributed by volunteers in 2013 stood at 1.96 billion hours, equivalent to about 1 million full-time, year-round jobs.” If not for volunteerism who would fill these positions and at what cost?

Are you interested in volunteering or want to know what type of volunteer opportunities are available? Contact the Volunteer Bureau in your area or call the Jewish Seniors’ Alliance at 604-532-1555.

ritaRoling


Rita Roling