# Research shows drop in volunteering among older age groups but rise in younger years

- Link: https://fundraising.co.uk/2017/09/29/research-shows-drop-volunteering-among-older-age-groups-rise-younger-year/
- Published: 2017-09-29T10:59:03+01:00
- Author: Melanie May

**Older age groups are volunteering less often now than they did in 2012, the latest
nfpSynergy report has shown.**

According to [nfpSynergy](https://nfpsynergy.net/)’s [Volunteering Trend Data](https://nfpsynergy.net/press-release/volunteering-trend-data?),
levels among 45-54 years olds, 55-64 year olds and those aged 65+ have all dropped
since 2012, with fewer having volunteered in the three months prior to the survey
than when asked the same question in 2012. While the decline was just one percentage
point among those aged 65+, the largest drop was seen in the 55-64 age group, where
rates had fallen from 22% in 2012 to 15% in 2017. Conversely, every age group below
45-54 had volunteered more, particularly those aged 16-24 where the percentage of
those volunteering was 30% in 2017, up from 24% in 2012.

 [⌊nfpsynergy volunteering trends⌉](https://wfay6x.infiniteuploads.cloud/2017/09/rsz_screen_shot_2017-09-29_at_103905.png)

 

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Those age 65+ were still the second biggest volunteers: 23% had volunteered between
January and April this year, compared to 14% of 45-54 year olds, and 15% of 55-64
year olds. Those aged 16-24 came top however, with 30% having volunteered during
this time.

16-34 year old men are now one of the most likely groups to volunteer – peaking 
at 39% in 2014 –closely followed by women in the same age group. However, figures
for these groups frequently move up and down between 2012 and now, with nfpSynergy
stating that this volatility requires frequent tracking. 
 Overall however, averages
for volunteering levels among this group as well as among 25-34 year olds have steadily
risen with volunteering in 16-24 year old starting to rise in 2009/10, followed 
by volunteering in 25-34 year olds two-three years later.

nfpSynergy poses the question in the report as to whether it is possible that those
who volunteered at school and university in their youth are continuing those habits
as they get older. As to why those aged 45-54 and 55-64 are volunteering less, it
suggests a lack of major initiatives to encourage volunteering amongst these age
groups.

The [full report can be downloaded](https://nfpsynergy.net/press-release/volunteering-trend-data)
from nfpSynergy’s site.

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