Volunteer work among older persons: Trends and Policy implications for ageing societies.
■ The world population is rapidly growing older. The projected share of the population aged 65+ is expected to reach 20% by 2070, but this growth is not spread equally across countries. The share of older persons in regions like Eastern Asia is set to grow to well over 40%, while remaining below 20% in sub-Saharan Africa. ■ The frameworks of active and healthy ageing , as laid out by the World Health Organization (WHO) , outline how older persons can be supported to age with dignity and respect . In part this can be accomplished through activities that improve mental, physical and social health. Social participation in volunteering to help other individuals or their community at large can serve as a foundational aspect of active ageing. ■ Persons who volunteer in old age perform better than non-volunteers in their self-perceived quality of life, mental health and physical health markers. Older volunteers almost always report stronger cognitive performance, improved happi...