Britain’s pre-retirees are on a mission to revive their communities, revealing they want to use their valuable skills and life experience to kick-start their own, diverse range of clubs and activities.
New research from Royal Voluntary Service and Prudential to launch our ‘Bring People Together’ campaign found nearly half (45%) of 50-65 year olds are interested in volunteering to spearhead their own groups and activities as a way to boost support for people in their community.
These pre-retirees are also thinking in an eclectic way when it comes to the activities they want to start. Claiming the clubs currently on offer don’t match their interests, they instead are motivated to introduce a raft of new ones such as walking groups (33%), games clubs (16%), live music and film screening groups and tablet and tech training classes (both 13%). Even adventure sports and dating groups are on the radar for some.
Many 50-65 year olds think it’s in their hands to revive their communities – and their particular focus is on supporting older people. More than one fifth (24%) believe the onus is on the general public to step in to help older people, whilst more than half (55%) believe older people are not supported enough in Great Britain and there is a huge gap in the provision of care. Additionally, almost one in four (24%) believe by helping older people in the community now, it will create a legacy to support them as they too grow older.
The study found around 30% of 50-65 year olds currently volunteer in some capacity, however, of those that don’t, over half (53%) would consider doing so in the next five years. Key motivators were wanting to give back to the local community (47%), keeping busy and active (40%), helping make life better for those in the community (31%) and having a purpose in retirement (24%).
The ‘Bring People Together’ campaign seeks to encourage and empower more people to volunteer, particularly those aged 50-65. Specifically its aim is to inspire them to start their own activities or clubs for older people with the backing of Royal Voluntary Service. From social activities and hobby classes to running a lunch club or providing companionship to older people in their homes, Royal Voluntary Service and Prudential want to harness the get-up-and-go of pre-retirees’ by encouraging them to put their talents and life experience to valuable use by becoming volunteer co-ordinators.
To learn more, please visit: Royal Voluntary Service
