Active Ageing in Active Communities

This report examines the role of older volunteers within the context of an ageing population, increased life expectancy, and growing government interest in notions of active ageing and community involvement. It focuses both on practical issues, such as recruitment and support of older volunteers, as well as on wider public policy debates relating to demographic change and community participation. Based on in-depth interviews with older volunteers and other key stakeholders, it examines the patterns and meanings of volunteering for the over 50s and raises issues of importance for public policy and organisational practice. Key themes include the motivation, recruitment and management of older volunteers. The report's findings will also feed into topical debates on how best to promote active ageing and active communities. Volunteering and transitions to retirement is aimed at policy makers, practitioners, researchers and all those with an interest in volunteering and gerontology. It will increase understanding of the processes that underpin volunteering by older people and will draw out implications for organisational practice and public policy.