A Trend To Watch

The Rise of Senior Volunteerism

Walk past a Toa Payoh void deck on a weekend afternoon and you might notice a heartwarming sight: a group of seniors laughing and chatting as they play a spirited game of bingo or engage in exercise.

The people in charge of these activities? Seniors themselves, as volunteers from RSVP Singapore, The Organisation of Senior Volunteers.

They are part of a growing trend of seniors who volunteer to serve fellow seniors. This is particularly significant for Singapore, given our rapidly ageing population:

For starters, seniors in need find volunteers of the same age group more “trusted and familiar”, said Karen Wee, Executive Director of Lions Befrienders, in an interview with CNA.

At the same time, senior volunteers can keep up or improve their own mental and physical well-being, as they stay active and engaged in their golden years.

Singapore:

More Singapore organisations have rolled out schemes and programmes to encourage seniors to step up.

Global Outlook

How other countries with ageing populations encourage seniors to care for one another.

Monaco

At 36%, Monaco has the world’s highest proportion of seniors in their population. In response, the country has established a “Temps de Vivre” (Time To Live) social club to encourage the retired elderly to find companionship in one another through activities like arts and crafts, reading or sports.

Japan

Not far behind is Japan, which has the second highest proportion (29%) of people aged 65 and above. Non-profit organisation Nippon Active Life Club (NALC) was formed to encourage the elderly to care for one another using a “time banking” concept. Seniors earn a point for each hour of volunteer time – which can be redeemed when they in turn want or require the help of other volunteers.

Taiwan

Similar to Japan, Taiwan also has a time banking system where seniors who volunteer can redeem their volunteering hours for help from other seniors. In addition, the city has a dining programme, “Dining with Seniors”, to encourage senior citizens to socialise over hearty meals.

United Kingdom

In Scotland, charity Re-engage has volunteer-run tea parties for seniors to interact and avoid social isolation. Across the UK, seniors can ring the free 24-hour Silver Line Helpline (created by charity Age UK) to get information and advice, or simply seek a friendly listening ear.

Explainer

Each year, we age in different ways. Knowing the difference can help us learn how to slow down the type of ageing within our control, and age with grace.

Learn the Lingo

Active Ageing: An approach to optimising seniors’ physical, mental and social health for better quality of life and active participation in society as they age.

Silver Economy: The emerging business opportunities of seeking innovative solutions for an ageing population, especially when led by or done alongside older people.

As people age, contributing meaningfully as seniors may look different from that of our younger years. The wisdom and experience that seniors have are invaluable, and despite the challenges that come with ageing, everyone has the power to shape the future and guide our peers as well as the next generations in our own unique ways.

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