March was Older People Month

This months theme is older people

Older People’s month may be over but there are still plenty of opportunities to get involved in volunteering with and by older people.

From abseiling grandparents to volunteer knitters, the time given by older volunteers is worth an incredible £5 billion a year to the economy (Age Concern England report: January 2004).

Events during Older People Month in March celebrated the impact of the five million over-50s who take part in unpaid work each year.

Events included:

A national knitting initiative, giving older volunteers the chance to donate knitted garments and toys to children's hospitals and premature baby units – The Big Knit.
A photographic exhibition of older volunteers in action; and
The launch of a video highlighting the volunteering opportunities available for the over-50s.

Volunteering benefits older volunteers in many ways, including making new friends, gaining self confidence, losing weight and living healthier lives.

More than half (51%) of the over-65s said volunteering improved their health and fitness and 62% said volunteering helped reduce stress (CSV Make a Difference Day research 2004).

Denise Murphy, Director of CSV's Retired Service Volunteer Programme (RSVP), says: "Older volunteers bring a wealth of experience and skills to community activity whether they have been the chief executive of a business or a housewife caring for children.

"The wisdom and life experience of older volunteers means that they are not only able to offer their time as a volunteer, but can also offer their organisational expertise."

Gordon Lishman, Director General of Age Concern England says: "Age Concern relies on 50,000 volunteers, which is five volunteers for every paid member of staff. Without them many services simply would not be available to support older people in living independently and making the most of life.

"Our volunteers deserve all the thanks we can give them and Older People Month is an ideal way to celebrate their enormous contribution."

Learn more about volunteering for older people

To find out more about the volunteering opportunities for and with older people:

Use the opportunity finder to find out what's available in your area
Come along to a Year of the Volunteer event
Contact volunteer organisations who work with older people to learn more about how you can get involved