A growing number of senior Singaporeans are channeling their professional expertise and personal experiences into volunteer roles, reflecting a shift in the landscape of senior volunteerism. This trend, accelerated by the Covid-19 pandemic, highlights the desire of older adults to remain engaged and contribute meaningfully to their communities beyond traditional volunteer activities.
Santhanam Srinivasan, 64, began volunteering with RSVP Singapore during a career break in 2022 amid the pandemic. An IT professional, he started teaching digital skills to fellow seniors and has continued to do so even after returning to work. Having retired from GovTech in 2025, Santhanam now volunteers several times a month and contributes to RSVP’s project steering committee, assisting with the implementation of volunteer and donation management systems. His involvement exemplifies a growing segment of seniors who seek to apply their decades of professional knowledge to benefit others.
RSVP Singapore, a non-profit that promotes senior volunteerism, has noted increased interest among seniors in opportunities that utilize their specialized skills. Executive Director Edna Claudine Leong said that today’s seniors tend to be more educated, digitally connected, and inclined to seek flexibility and meaningful engagement in their volunteer activities. Alongside digital training, roles such as mentoring students, community guiding, and administrative support—including data entry and analysis—have gained popularity.
Other examples include 74-year-old retired manicurist Mak Lai Ye-ong, who offers free nail care at a local active ageing centre, and Patricia Lee, 78, who volunteers as a “transport kaki” assisting frail seniors with medical appointments following her personal experience caring for a rehabilitation client. Retired civil servant Mok Loi Wong, 73, uses storytelling to connect with seniors, adapting his approach to increase engagement.
Despite these positive developments, there remains significant potential to expand senior volunteer participation. According to the National Volunteer and Philanthropy Centre’s (NVPC) National Giving Study 2025, only 10% of those aged 65 and above volunteered in the past year, compared to higher rates among younger age groups. However, a 2023 NVPC study found that older volunteers dedicate more consistent and prolonged efforts when involved.
Social connections play a critical role in encouraging senior volunteerism. For instance, Silver Generation Ambassador Sanesa Salleh, 61, inspired her sisters to join her in volunteer work. The Silver Generation Office, part of the Agency for Integrated Care, has grown its ambassador network to about 9,000, with nearly half aged 50 and above.
RSVP’s volunteer base has expanded from 100 in 1998 to nearly 3,500 currently, with 90% aged 60 and above. It reported a 12% increase in active volunteers and a 13% rise in volunteer hours over the past two years, aided by referral programs encouraging members to recruit peers. Prospective volunteers undergo training to better equip them for their roles.
Organizations such as the Singapore Red Cross and Lions Befrienders have also adapted to meet seniors’ needs by simplifying registration processes and offering flexible, accessible opportunities. Lions Befrienders reported growth in senior volunteer participation and aims to increase volunteer hours substantially through micro-volunteering initiatives by 2027.
Ultimately, many senior volunteers cite the social benefits and sense of purpose gained from their roles as major motivations. A 2026 survey of RSVP volunteers identified ageing with dignity and creating meaningful social connections as top reasons for sustained engagement, underscoring the evolving view of volunteerism among older adults in Singapore.