Four ways to support senior volunteers

Supporting senior volunteers is both a responsibility and an opportunity for organizations that engage volunteers.

As the workforce sees an increasing number of older individuals choosing to continue working, volunteer programs must also adapt. Check out Rob Jackson’s article on this topic. That means that to hold on to your current senior volunteers, and entice new ones, we need to make a point of focusing on their needs.

I know many volunteer programs look at decreasing their reliance on seniors by bringing in younger volunteers who might have a longer active life with the organization. I don’t say that’s wrong but there will always be a predominance of the older demographic in volunteerism, and we need to support them.

Older volunteers bring a wealth of expertise, a strong work ethic and a deep sense of purpose to the organizations they serve. However, traditional volunteer engagement strategies often fail to address their needs.

Here are four ways you can support the elders in your volunteer program:

Offer flexible volunteer opportunities—All volunteers like flexibility, but senior volunteers benefit more than most from adaptable opportunities. Part-time or project-based engagement, rather than full-time commitments, provide seniors with the chance to do what they can on any particular day. Offering a variety of roles—including short-term projects, consulting-style volunteering, and mentorship-based opportunities—allows senior volunteers to contribute in ways that suit their availability and their energy levels.

Additionally, phased volunteering programs, where seniors can gradually reduce or modify their involvement to suit their changing physical and mental needs, enables long-term engagement without the pressure of rigid schedules. Organizations that embrace this idea retain valuable volunteers while accommodating their evolving needs.

Create an inclusive and accessible environment—Physical accessibility is crucial in ensuring that senior volunteers can participate fully. Many older individuals face mobility challenges, so organizations should assess their volunteer spaces for ergonomic considerations. That may include comfortable seating, clear signage, proper lighting and accessible facilities. It’s also a good idea to see if you can come up with things they can do from home. Making toys for kids in a shelter or helping you post on social media sites are things that further the mission without requiring people to come to you.

Beyond physical spaces, digital accessibility is also essential. As more volunteering opportunities involve online platforms, ensuring websites, sign-up forms and training materials are senior-friendly is key. Simple navigation, larger fonts, and clear instructions help older volunteers engage confidently.

Provide purpose and socialization—Mature volunteers often seek purpose more than traditional incentives. The ability to do something that makes a definite difference will draw them to you. Regardless of what you ask them to do, draw a line from that task directly to the organization’s mission.

Socialization is the other key element that interests most senior volunteers. Intergenerational collaboration, especially, is an effective way to involve them. By pairing them with younger volunteers for mentoring and knowledge-sharing initiatives, organizations can harness the strengths of both age groups. This exchange benefits younger volunteers by providing them with guidance and insights, while seniors gain new social networks.

Support their wellbeing – physically, mentally and emotionally—Wellbeing is a critical factor in long-term volunteer engagement regardless of age. Seniors, however, face an outsized risk of social isolation, financial challenges, or health issues, which can impact their ability to volunteer. Organizations should consider how they can support the holistic wellbeing of their senior volunteers.

Providing mental health resources, social opportunities, and a supportive community can make a significant difference. Volunteer roles that foster social connections—such as group projects or team-based activities—help mitigate feelings of loneliness and keep volunteers engaged. Additionally, ensuring that volunteers are not overburdened and have clear boundaries between their volunteer work and personal time is essential for preventing burnout.

As demographics shift and the average age of retirement increases, organizations that plan strategically to involve senior volunteers will be well-positioned for long-term success. Age-diverse volunteer teams bring a richness of perspective, strong problem-solving capabilities, and a deep-rooted commitment to making a difference. Investing in strategies that support and empower senior volunteers is not just an act of inclusion—it is a pathway to building stronger, more resilient organisations and communities.

This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.