NVPC Individual Giving Study 2018 – Silver V Study

1. What seniors are looking for

Compared to the younger population in Singapore, seniors aged 50 and above prioritise:

1. health
2. living a relaxing life
3. ability to retire without financial and/or health worries

There are notable differences in life priorities between seniors aged 50-64, and those aged 65+. For instance, those between the ages of 50-64 prioritise financial security highly; whilst those aged 65+ prioritise living a relaxing life more than their younger senior counterparts.

2. Benefits of volunteering

1. More senior volunteers report better health and life satisfaction.
   Senior volunteers are 13 percentage points more likely to have minor illnesses or fall sick. They are also 8 percentage points more likely to be satisfied with life.
2. More senior volunteers report being more outgoing and socially connected.
   In times of need, senior volunteers aged 65+ can reach out to twice as many people compared to non-volunteers in the same age group.

3. Opportunities for seniors to volunteer

Based on their life priorities and retirement ideals, the study proposes 9 themes that can encourage senior volunteerism. These themes can influence the channels to engage seniors, how the volunteer programme/activity can be designed or how volunteering can be marketed to seniors.

1. Volunteer with their family
   Since spending time with family is part of seniors’ ideal retirement, seniors can bond with their family through volunteering.
2. Volunteer through social activity
   Maintaining current friendships is part of a senior’s life priority, so one can volunteer with friends. Seniors are also motivated to volunteer to expand his or her social circle.
3. Volunteer in their neighbourhoods
   Seniors are motivated to volunteer should opportunities be conveniently located, such as in within their immediate neighbourhood.
4. Volunteer through faith
   Compared to the younger population, seniors are more interested in volunteering with, through, for and because of religion/religious communities.
5. Volunteer through informal means
   Compared to the younger population, seniors prefer to volunteer informally.
6. Volunteer through corporates
   Notably, seniors aged 50-64 have an interest to volunteer with their work-related skills.
7. Volunteer to guide the next generation
   Seniors aged 50-64 are keen to mentor the next generation through volunteering.
8. Volunteer to acquire skills
   Seniors aged 50-64 look to develop their skills and use it to benefit others.
9. Volunteer for health and relaxation
   In line with their life priorities, seniors can volunteer in ways that are aligned with their hobbies and interests.