Staying Active At Any Age: The Impact of Volunteering on Aging
Volunteers provide support, knowledge and strong encouragement to create a safe and inclusive space in sport. In return older adult volunteers can see positive impacts on their physical, mental and social wellbeing.
As the weather gets warmer spring and summer sports start up, and more outdoor opportunities become available. Walking, cycling, swimming all contribute to a healthier lifestyle. Have you ever thought of the health impact volunteering has? We often recognize the impact of volunteering on youth sport and the operational impact but frequently forget the impact volunteers receive from the time they donate.
Volunteers, like Stan, pictured above, provide support, knowledge and strong encouragement to create a safe and inclusive space in sport. In return older adult volunteers can see positive impacts on their physical, mental and social wellbeing.
The Health Impact of Volunteering on Active Aging
Isolation has been linked to higher risks of developing heart disease, high blood pressure, obesity, depression, Alzheimer’s disease and more (National Institutes of Health, 2019). Older adults who volunteer show a decreased risk of mortality and physical functioning limitations, while also showing an increase in self-rated health (Kim, et al. 2020). Volunteers also see higher positive effects, optimism, and life purpose while at the same time lower depressive symptoms (Kim, et al. 2020).
With the world population over the age of 60 set to double by 2050 (Moore, et al. 2021) the potential financial and economic strain facing the Canadian health care system could be large. The addition of volunteering in older adult populations not only carries physical health benefits but social as well. Volunteers can see a decrease in loneliness and more connections with friends (Kim, et al. 2021).
Two-fold, volunteers not only act as coordinators, but also positive role models that impact the lives of athletes in a welcoming, inclusive and empowering environment for community members. In athletics volunteers work hard to create events, assure safety, and maintain healthy movement. Volunteers work as the foundation to lead these groups and make games more enjoyable, less intimidating and create an encouraging environment.
Beyond physical activity, organized sport events serve as a way people come together to socialize and create meaningful connections. By volunteering older adults increase social interactions, decrease isolation and loneliness, creating an overall positive health benefit.
Giving Back as Senior Leaders in Sport
Not only can older adults participate in sport, but they can contribute to the community by being active volunteers. Older adult volunteers contribute by supporting events, fundraising, refereeing, being active on committees, coaching and more. While statistically there are less volunteers aged 65+ than younger adults, 19% of Canadian seniors reported volunteering in sports within the last year. A report by Volunteer Canada in 2013 found that a whopping 82% of volunteers 65+ years old volunteered to ‘use skills or experience’ to aid an organization with their volunteer efforts.
By taking these leadership roles, older adults challenge common stereotypes by breaking barriers. This demonstrates that sport and physical activity do not come with an age limit. These volunteers bring experience, knowledge and insights to give back to young, emerging athletes. (Canadian Fitness and Lifestyle Research Institute, 2024)
How To Get Involved This Month
If you are interested in becoming involved in sport as a volunteer or athlete, check out the Volunteer Hub website at www.sportvolunteerhub.ca, and read about further opportunities.
Your journey can start whenever you choose, whether you decide to take on a sport, start a fundraiser or help coach your grandchildren; it not only benefits the player, but it benefits you. Our volunteers serve as the means for a more inclusive sport environment, where people of all ages feel confident and competent to join. See the Lethbridge Sport Council website for information about adult sports and how to register.
References
Canadian Fitness and Lifestyle Research Institute. (2024). Volunteering in sport.
https://cflri.ca/publication/volunteering-in-sport-physical-activity-and-recreation/
Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care. (2026). Hypertension—clinician summary.
https://canadiantaskforce.ca/hypertension-clinician-summary/
Cook, S.L., Speevak Sladowski, P., (2013). Volunteering and Older Adults: Final Report, February 2013. Volunteer Canada. https://volunteer.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Volunteering_and_Older_Adults_Final_Report_2013.pdf
Kim, E.S., Whillans, A.V., Lee, M.T., Chen, Y., VanderWeele, T.J. (2020). Volunteering and Subsequent Health and Well-being in Older Adults: An Outcome-wide Longitudinal Approach. American Journal of Preventitative Medicine. 59(2). 176-186. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7375895/pdf/nihms-1584138.pdf
Moore, A., Motsgh, S., Sadeghirad, B., Begum, H., Riva, J., Gaber, J., Dolovich, L. (2021). Volunteer Impact on Health-Related Outcomes for Seniors: a Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis. Canadian Geriatrics Society. 24(1). 44-72. https://cgjonline.ca/index.php/cgj/article/view/434/628
National Institute on Aging. (April 23, 2019). Social isolation, loneliness in older pose health risk. Retreived May 20, 2026, from https://www.nia.nih.gov/news/social-isolation-loneliness-older-people-pose-health-risks#
Pinheiro, M. B., Oliveira, J., Bauman, A., Fairhall, N., Kwok, W., & Sherrington, C. (2020). Evidence on physical activity and osteoporosis prevention for people aged 65+ years: A systematic review to inform the WHO guidelines on physical activity and sedentary behaviour. The International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, 17(1), 150-150. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12966-020-01040-4
Posted June 6, 2026
