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Volunteering in the second half of life: more participation, less exclusion
META description: In our current study, you can find out how volunteer work affects the feeling of social affiliation in the second half of life. While committed less social exclusion, there are clear inequalities in access to honorary offices between age groups and gender. Read how barriers can be dismantled to make the advantages of the volunteer in the second half of life accessible.
Volunteering in the second half of life: more participation, less exclusion
Amazing knowledge flashes! A groundbreaking study by the German Center for Age Questions (DZA) shows that seniors who volunteer are much less socially excluded! This is not just a number, that is the key to a more fulfilling life in the second half of life!
However, the realization isshocking: the age group of over 76-year-olds is least involved. While almost every fifth is active in the group of 66- to 75-year-olds, this number in the highest age group drops to terrifying 10 percent. And the gender gradient is also pronounced: almost 25 percent of the men are volunteering, while only 16 percent of women are committed. Lack of time due to family care obligations could be a decisive factor here!
less social isolation thanks to volunteering
The numbers speak volumes! People who are involved in society experience stronger social integration. Particularly striking: for the over 76-year-olds who do volunteering, the feeling of social exclusion decreases significantly (average 1.51) compared to their peers without commitment (1.76). A similar picture is also evident in women: committed women report a lower sensation of exclusion, whereby the difference is striking!
But what is behind it? It remains unclear whether volunteering promotes social integration directly or whether this is a valuable interaction. However, it is clear that society and the people themselves benefit! Targeted measures must now be taken to make volunteering more accessible to everyone.
Removebarriers - create opportunities!
Julia Simonson, who was instrumental in the study, demands a rethink: "How can we design the access routes to volunteering so that they really benefit everyone?" In order to achieve all seniors, the reasons for social inequality must be tackled. A review of the age limits for honorary posts could be a first step in the right direction.
What can we do? A more equal distribution of family obligations could make women easier access to voluntary work. It is high time that everyone in old age is given the opportunity to actively participate in life.
More about these exciting statistics, which also shed light on the financial and health background, you will find in the study “Voluntary Engagement and Social Exclusion in the second half of life” by Simonson, Kelle and Bredereck. The results are not only exciting for scientists, but especially for everyone who is interested in a living and supportive society!
Find out more about the possibilities and discover how volunteering can enrich the retirement!
for further information: The German Altersssurvey (Deas) accompanies people in the second half of life and is funded by the Federal Ministry for Family, Seniors, Women and Youth. A valuable source for everyone who is interested in the seniors of our society!