International Day of Older Persons - Volunteering Matters

Today is a special day for older people and senior citizens around the world

The 1^st of October marks the International Day of Older Persons and we’d like to take the opportunity to celebrate the 8,700 older and retired people who share their time and talents each year by volunteering with us.

There are currently around 700 million people over the age of 60 globally and it is predicted that by 2050, this figure will have risen to 2 billion. We often hear stories in the media of isolation and loneliness among older people and this can have a devastating effect on health and wellbeing. But our volunteers over 50 are taking matters into their own hands and tackling some of the toughest challenges facing their communities today.

Take our RSVP knitting groups for example, who donate hundreds of items each month to different causes – giving ‘privacy pouches’ with sanitary products to schools and addressing period poverty or teddy bears to children who have suffered, or are suffering, some kind of trauma. Their creations help thousands of people and at the same time meeting as a group to ‘knit and natter’ helps combat loneliness and grow social networks. Or our Sporting Chance project which sees men over 50 engaging in physical activities and cognitive exercises in a community setting.

Much of our work with and for older people is supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery. Thanks to their support volunteers over 50 are making a difference in their communities day in, day out, year on year. So today we would like to shine a spotlight on their amazing achievements and celebrate all of our wonderful older and retired volunteers.

Read some of our volunteer stories to find out more and if you’re inspired to give volunteering a go, check out our opportunity finder.

Karen and Sarah

Karen heard about our mentoring programme for young care leavers, Grandmentors, through the local business community, and is already seeing a great difference in her mentee.

Read Karen’s story

Jeff

Jeff has suffered from mobility issues for years, and found his health issues made him feel quite low. But through volunteering with Sporting Chance he has felt more confident and outgoing.

Read jeff’s story

Darina