Average Lifespan of Volunteers Actively Involved in Charity Work

Mr Gan Thiam Poh asked the Minister for Culture, Community and Youth (a) currently, what is the average lifespan of volunteers who were actively involved in charity work when they were alive; and (b) whether there is a co-relation between a person's lifespan and the age he starts volunteering or the years of volunteer service performed.

Ms Grace Fu Hai Yien: We do not track the statistic that Mr Gan has asked for.

A study by the National Volunteer and Philanthropy Centre (NVPC) in 2013 found that a person's perception of well-being is positively correlated with giving, which includes volunteering or donating. Specifically, 66% of givers, as compared to 45% of non-givers, were more likely to report they experience high levels of well-being 1 . Giving may increase well-being as volunteers derive deep meaning from helping others, are more grateful for their own life situation, and grow a bigger network of positive social relationships, along with a stronger sense of community.

A research in Scotland 2 in 2018 found that volunteering benefitted the mental and physical well-being of volunteers, with benefits found to be more significant for older volunteers (60 years and above) who are more subject to loneliness, role-identity loss such as loss of employment or loss of partner/departure of children, and ill health.

Note(s) to Question No(s) 18:

1 Well-being in the study refers to the extent to which individuals report to be satisfied and happy with their lives.

2 Linning, M. & Jackson, G. (2018, December). “Volunteering, health and wellbeing.” What does the evidence tell us?. Volunteer Scotland.