Seniors’ enormous contribution to society
A new study shows Australia benefits from an economic contribution of $2 billion a year by older Australians working as volunteers.
The National Seniors Productive Ageing Centre study show that it would cost the economy $3.9 billion a year to replace 587,794 older Australians who are providing unpaid help to people with a disability.
Chief executive of National Seniors, Michael O’Neill, said volunteers deserved more recognition.
“This vast resource of skills, experience and wisdom can be harnessed for the national good. That reality should inform policy development at all levels,’’ he said.
People 55 and over volunteer in civic and political groups more than any other age group (30% compared to 19% in the general population).
Study participants said more could be done by removing some of the barriers to volunteering.
Out of pocket expenses like travel costs, and a minimum number of shifts are seen as barriers to further volunteer engagement.
