RED tape and lack of connection have seniors concerned for the future of volunteering when they are no longer able to give back.
According to a study released by Australian Seniors Insurance Agency, the country could be headed for a decline in volunteering that would leave a multi-billion dollar hole in the economy.
The study reveals that one in five Australians aged over 50 are involved in organised volunteering.Those who are involved spend an average of almost 412 hours a year giving their time, adding up to an annual total of more than 1.4 billion hours volunteered.
In monetary terms, based on the basic wage, that equates to $46.5 billion in donated time every year. However more than two-thirds (68.3 per cent) are concerned about the future of volunteering when their generation steps aside.
The main causes of this concern are the rise of political correctness making it harder to volunteer (70.3 per cent) and the decline of community-mindedness (73.7 per cent).
The pace of modern life is singled out by most seniors (72.8 per cent) as the driving factor behind the decline in community connection. There is also a feeling that people are more selfish or self-centred (58.4 per cent). Community remains hugely important to over-50s, with nine in 10 believing local communities are the fabric of society.
Sadly, though, four in five (80.3 per cent) feel the role of the neighbour has changed from past generations. Of these, the overwhelming majority think neighbours have become less caring, connected and supportive.
- The Modern Australian Communities report is the ninth instalment of The Australian Seniors Series, an ongoing national study investigating the shifting attitudes and concerns affecting Australia's over-50s. View the full report HERE
