LEISURE ACTIVITIES (PodCast) - How retirees can get involved in Volunteering.
- archiedonovan
- 6 days ago
- 8 min read
There’s no fixed “threshold” age at which an older adult moves from being a volunteer to being someone who receives volunteering support. Instead, the shift depends on a mix of personal, physical, social, and economic factors, not just age.
The threshold isn’t chronological — it’s functional and situational.An older adult transitions from volunteer to recipient when their capacity to give safely and meaningfully is outweighed by their need for support, companionship, or care.
Here’s how researchers and community organisations generally view this balance:
1. Functional Threshold (Health and Mobility)
The most common “threshold” is based on capacity rather than age.
When an older adult’s health, mobility, or cognitive ability significantly limits their ability to contribute time or energy safely and consistently, they may begin to transition to the receiving end.
For example:
A volunteer aged 80 who is fit, mobile, and independent can still contribute meaningfully.
Another person aged 70 with mobility issues or chronic illness may find participation more difficult and start benefiting more from support.
2. Social and Emotional Readiness
Many older adults value the sense of purpose, identity, and belonging that volunteering provides.
A shift might occur when social isolation, bereavement, or loss of confidence make engagement harder — at that point, receiving help (companionship visits, transport support, etc.) can itself be a way of staying connected.
3. Reciprocal Volunteering
Some programmes use a “mutual aid” or “time banking” model, where older adults both give and receive help depending on their needs and skills.
This blurs the line between “helper” and “helped,” recognising that everyone can contribute something, even with limitations.
4. Organisational Guidelines
In Ireland (and across Europe), organisations like Age Action, Volunteer Ireland, and Active Retirement Ireland don’t set an upper age limit.
They assess participation based on:
Personal interest
Health and safety considerations
The nature of the volunteer role (physical vs. advisory, in-person vs. remote)
Volunteering for Older Adults
Strengths of Older Adults Doing Voluntary Work
1. Experience and Wisdom
Older adults bring a lifetime of knowledge, skills, and problem-solving ability. Their professional and personal experiences add depth to voluntary organisations, often helping improve systems and mentor younger volunteers.
2. Strong Work Ethic and Reliability
Many older adults have spent decades in structured work environments, which often translates into punctuality, dedication, and consistency — all highly valued in volunteer roles.
3. Emotional Maturity and Patience
Older volunteers often have strong interpersonal and conflict-resolution skills, making them excellent in roles requiring empathy, listening, and care (e.g., mentoring, counselling, community support).
4. Sense of Purpose and Social Connection
Volunteering can reduce loneliness, maintain mental health, and give retirees a renewed sense of identity and contribution — vital for well-being after leaving the workforce.
5. Community Building and Civic Engagement
Older adults are often deeply rooted in their communities and can strengthen social ties, bring continuity to local organisations, and model civic responsibility for younger generations.
Weaknesses or Challenges of Older Adults Doing Voluntary Work
1. Physical or Health Limitations
Certain roles (e.g., involving heavy lifting, long hours, or mobility demands) may not be suitable for some older volunteers, limiting their choice of activities.
2. Technology Barriers
Some voluntary roles now require digital literacy (online forms, databases, social media), which can be challenging if the volunteer lacks digital confidence or support.
3. Transport or Accessibility Issues
Older adults who no longer drive or live in rural areas may struggle to reach volunteer sites regularly, particularly where public transport is limited.
4. Overcommitment or Burnout
Enthusiastic older volunteers may overextend themselves — especially those seeking purpose after retirement — which can lead to fatigue or stress.
5. Role Misalignment or Underutilisation
Sometimes, organisations underestimate or underuse older volunteers’ abilities, assigning them overly simple or routine tasks. This can cause frustration and reduce motivation.
6. Generational Differences
In multi-age volunteer teams, differences in communication styles or expectations can occasionally cause friction or misunderstandings.
Overall Summary
Aspect | Strengths | Weaknesses |
Experience & Skills | Brings wisdom, reliability, and mentoring ability | Risk of being underutilised |
Health & Energy | Many remain active and motivated | Some physical limitations possible |
Technology | Willing to learn new systems | Digital gap may restrict roles |
Social Impact | Builds community and connection | May face accessibility or isolation issues |
Personal Fulfilment | Boosts self-worth and purpose | Potential for burnout if overcommitted |
Opportunities for Older Adults in Voluntary Work
1. Active and Healthy Ageing
Volunteering supports physical, mental, and emotional well-being. It keeps older adults active, engaged, and less likely to experience loneliness or depression.
2. Lifelong Learning and Skill Development
Many organisations now offer training (including digital skills, mentoring, first aid, or community management). Volunteering can help older adults learn new skills and stay mentally sharp.
3. Social Interaction and Inclusion
Volunteer work offers rich social networks and intergenerational friendships. It can be a gateway to belonging, especially for those who’ve recently retired or lost social contact.
4. Contribution to Society
Older volunteers can play vital roles in social care, education, environmental work, and charity initiatives — helping strengthen their communities and pass on values of civic responsibility.
5. Recognition and Purpose
Governments, NGOs, and local councils increasingly celebrate and recognise senior volunteers, giving older adults a sense of value and pride in their contributions.
6. Flexible Opportunities and Remote Volunteering
Post-pandemic, many voluntary organisations offer flexible or online roles (e.g. mentoring, administration, phone support) — ideal for older adults seeking adaptable commitments.
7. Supportive Policy Environment
Many countries, including Ireland, promote “Age-Friendly” and “Active Citizenship” initiatives, providing funding and programs specifically designed for senior volunteers.
Threats to Older Adults in Voluntary Work
1. Health Decline or Accessibility Issues
Physical or cognitive changes over time may limit consistent participation or make certain volunteer tasks unsafe or stressful.
2. Ageism and Stereotyping
Some organisations may (consciously or not) assume that older adults are less capable, less adaptable, or less tech-savvy — leading to exclusion or undervaluation.
3. Over-Reliance on Volunteers
In some sectors (like care or community services), governments and agencies depend heavily on unpaid senior volunteers — which can create burnout and replace paid work opportunities.
4. Financial and Insurance Limitations
Some older adults live on fixed incomes; travel costs, uniforms, or out-of-pocket expenses may deter participation. Insurance coverage for older volunteers can also be inconsistent.
5. Digital Exclusion
As more volunteer work shifts online (e.g., record keeping, training, communication), older adults who lack digital skills risk being left behind.
6. Changing Family Responsibilities
Grand parenting or caring duties can conflict with volunteering schedules, especially if flexibility isn’t offered.
7. Societal Shifts
Declining volunteerism among younger generations and changes in funding or policy may reduce opportunities or support for volunteer programmes in the future.
Summary Table
Category | Description |
Opportunities | Active ageing, skill learning, social inclusion, community impact, flexible roles, recognition, supportive policy |
Threats | Health decline, ageism, burnout, financial limits, digital exclusion, caring duties, reduced funding |
Here are some strong volunteering options in Dublin for older adults — each offering different kinds of roles so you can choose what suits your interests, schedule and abilities:
1. ALONE
Charity
What they do: ALONE supports older people in Ireland to age at home by tackling issues like loneliness, isolation and practical support. alone.ie
Volunteer roles suitable for older adults include:
One-to-one befriending / visitation support: visiting an older person at least once a week.
Telephone support & befriending: making regular friendly calls to older people who may be isolated.
Why it’s a good fit:
Flexible: home-based telephone role gives more flexibility.
Meaningful companionship role—great for someone who wants to make a personal connection.
Things to check / consider:
Commitment: For some roles a minimum time period is required (e.g., weekly for a set number of months).
Training & vetting: Volunteers must go through induction, Garda vetting etc.
2. Age Action Ireland
Charity
What they do: Age Action works nationally including in Dublin. They support older people and run volunteering programmes. Age Action | For all older peopleVolunteer roles suitable for older adults include:
“Getting Started” programmes (e.g., helping older people get online, use devices)
“Care & Repair” programmes: practical help for older people (DIY, small repairs, safety checks)
Why it’s a good fit:
Good for someone who wants to use skills (digital, practical) and not just social/membership role.
They provide good training and support
Things to check / consider:
The “Care & Repair” role might involve some physical activity (depending on the tasks) — check suitability.
Make sure the schedule fits your availability.
3. Making Connections
What they do: Based in South Dublin, they support older people (65+) with social and practical support to reduce isolation. makingconnections.ieVolunteer roles suitable for older adults include:
Befriending & well-being support: visits or phone calls to older people.
Walking groups: helping older people engage in social physical activity (e.g., walking groups in Churchtown)
Practical support: assisting with form-filling, using digital devices, linking to community services.
Why it’s a good fit:
Lots of options: social, physical (walking), and practical help roles.
Good for someone who wants variety and possibly local community engagement.
Things to check / consider:
Some roles mention “car access typically required” for travel to older people’s homes.
The geographic area: works in Dublin South — make sure it aligns with your location.
4. Friends of the Elderly Ireland
Mission: Provide social programmes for older people to relieve isolation and loneliness. Friends of the Elderly Ireland
Volunteer roles: Home-visitation programme, friendly calls, social clubs, day trips.
Things to check: How often visits/calls are required; whether transport is needed; how far locations are.
Why good: Strong social connection focus — ideal if you prefer friendly chats, companionship roles.
5. SeniorLine
Mission: A national confidential listening service for older people, provided by trained older volunteers. Third Age Ireland
Volunteer roles: Telephone support/listening service; many volunteers are aged 60+ themselves.
Things to check: Minimum time commitment (e.g., every few weeks), training, scheduling of shifts.
Why good: Accessible role (phone-based) with great flexibility; suited for older volunteers themselves.
6. AgeWell (initiative) via Age Friendly Ireland
Mission: Engages adults aged 50+ to act as “Companions” to older people living at home – weekly visits, well-being checks, peer support. Age Friendly Ireland
Volunteer roles: Peer volunteer (50+), visiting older people in their homes to provide social contact and light check-in.
Things to check: Whether the service is active in your local area (Dublin coverage); training & support provided.
Why good: Specifically designed for volunteers aged 50+; peer to peer model may feel comfortable if you are older.
7. Little Flower Penny Dinners
Location: Dublin 8 (Liberties area) littleflower.ie
Volunteer roles: Meals on Wheels delivery (driving or helping), kitchen/serving roles in charity premises. Flexible mornings.
Things to check: Driving licence may be needed for van role; some physical exertion (lifting trays/stairs) may be required.
Why good: Very practical, local, and team-based roles — good if you like being active and in a small community setting.
8. Active Retirement Ireland
Active Retirement Ireland (ARI) is a national organisation that promotes active, healthy, and engaged living for older adults across Ireland. It’s one of the largest voluntary groups for seniors in the country, with over 500 local associations and more than 20,000 members. activeirl.ie
- Founded: 1978
- Headquarters: Dublin, Ireland
- Membership: Open to anyone aged 50 and over (retired or semi-retired)
- Structure: Made up of local Active Retirement Associations (ARAs) in towns and communities throughout Ireland
The organisation’s goal is to empower older people to live full, independent, and socially connected lives by:
Combating isolation and loneliness
Promoting physical and mental well-being
Encouraging social inclusion and lifelong learning
Advocating on issues that affect older adults
Local groups organise a wide variety of events, such as:
Social events: coffee mornings, lunches, dances, and day trips
Health & fitness: walking clubs, yoga, aqua aerobics, tai chi
Education: computer classes, art workshops, language lessons
Travel: group holidays in Ireland and abroad
Volunteering and community engagement
ARI also campaigns for:
Digital inclusion and training
Recognition of older people’s contributions to society
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