In Canada, there are currently more than seven million people aged 65 and older. It is the fastest-growing demographic in the country. Millions of seniors — and the organizations that serve them — rely on volunteers.
In 2018, more than 24 million Canadians aged 15 and older volunteered, giving about five billion hours to their cause or activity. However, a report from Cardus, a non-partisan think tank, showed that volunteerism across the country fell from 47 percent to 41 percent from 2010 to 2018.
Some possible reasons for the decline include the Covid 19 pandemic, financial and job instability, and background checks that prospective volunteers must pay for themselves.
A higher cost of living also means that more people are struggling just to live and pay for their essential needs. Add to that the stress that comes with making ends meet and it’s not surprising that some people are less willing or able to volunteer.
To compound matters, volunteering typically declines with age. So, it follows that as the country’s older population continues to grow, there will be fewer volunteers. Instead, an increasing number of people in this demographic will be relying on volunteers.
If the trend continues, it could have severe consequences for some of the most vulnerable people, including seniors and their families. It also firmly puts a burden back onto non-profit organizations that remain chronically underfunded. As a result, many of the services they provide could be reduced or cut entirely.
Here are some of the valuable services volunteers provide that demonstrate the impact lower volunteerism could have on seniors, families and organizations:
- Transportation
- Wellness visits
- Shopping
- Snow removal
- Companionship
- Cooking
- Food delivery
- Fitness and recreation
- Tech education
- Housekeeping
- Friendliness or support calls
- Social outings
- Christmas gifts and visits
- Language translation
- Reading
- Intergenerational events
- Dog walking
- Hair care
- Manicures
What About Seniors Who Volunteer?
According to a report from the National Seniors Council on Volunteering, older people volunteer less but when they do, they put in more hours (218 annually) than their younger counterparts between ages 15 and 24 (138 hours annually).
So, for seniors who volunteer, the decline in volunteerism could also mean that they have to put in more hours than they already do. Interestingly, it could mean a further boost to their health and well-being.
Research consistently shows that volunteering benefits mental health, and lowers the risk of heart disease, depression and early mortality. It also shows that older volunteers benefit even more than younger ones, including gaining a renewed sense of purpose, avoiding loneliness, and staying physically active.
On the upside, it’s also perhaps worthwhile keeping in mind that more people over age 50 are living in better health. In the future, it could help to lighten the load on organizations, or substantially help to reshape seniors’ volunteer needs. Consider the way the growing number of seniors Olympics and bodybuilding events have reshaped fitness for the 50+ crowd. It’s a whole new reality.
How to Help Overcome Obstacles to Volunteers
Tap Into Current Volunteers
Speak to your current volunteers to get feedback on how they feel about their experience. They can also provide insight on how to attract others or point out hindrances you might not be aware of.
Transportation
Higher gas prices and lower wages or personal debt that reduces car ownership can be obstacles. Consider a crowdfunding or donor campaign to purchase a vehicle to transport volunteers or paying for public transportation passes.
Flexible Hours and Arrangements
As much as possible try to accommodate prospective volunteers’ work schedules or personal responsibilities. Some volunteers who are caregivers, for instance, might want to include their loved ones while they are volunteering.
Play to Strengths
Some volunteers might be put off by the duties or tasks they are being asked to do. Instead, get to know their strengths and ask for their help with activities that are essential to your organization but that align with their skills, experience and interest.
Ask for Referrals
Even if someone isn’t ready to volunteer or no longer can, ask them if they know someone else who might be willing to do so.
Reach out to Donors
You know that these essential contributors are already invested in your cause or organization. Why not ask them if they would also be able to spend a few hours each year volunteering? Make it easy for them as well. If they cannot commit to a regular routine, perhaps they can assist at one-off events or on special occasions.
Rely More on Technology
As the number of volunteers declines, it is going to be more important than ever to work efficiently. Technology is vital to communication, collaboration and coordination. Learn more about how your organization can take advantage of it to boost volunteer engagement and effectiveness.
Welcome Students
In some provinces, high school students need to spend 40 hours volunteering or in community service to graduate. Others do so to beef up their college or university applications.
Don’t assume that because they are young they aren’t the right fit to help with seniors. The growing trend of intergenerational programs quickly dispels that stereotype.
Create a Volunteer-for-Reference Program
For many people, a lack of references is a real hindrance to entering the workforce or get the kinds of jobs they want. For organizations struggling to find volunteers, this is an opportunity, not an obstacle.
Working with seniors is one of the most demanding, responsibility-driven and rewarding services. A reference from a senior organization could be worth its weight in gold for a job seeker.
Collaborate with Colleges or Universities
Many of these institutes of higher learning list volunteer opportunities for their students. For instance, the University of Alberta has a registry to help its students find volunteer gigs that will improve their skills and allow them to give back to their community.
Reach out to colleges and universities near you to discuss and promote your organization and its volunteer needs.
Collaborate with Immigrant Organizations
New or recent immigrants are also looking to gain experience and develop references they can use to find jobs. Many are also looking for ways to meet people, integrate into their new society and give back to their communities.
Connect with organizations that cater to foreign newcomers to build awareness of your organization and volunteer opportunities.
Get Government Funding or Support
Naturally, it’s important to perform background checks on prospective volunteers. If your organization cannot afford to do so, consider applying for a government grant.
You can also campaign your local government representatives to get their support to have governments routinely pay the costs of these background checks. After all, volunteering contributes more than $56 billion annually to the Canadian economy.
