No experience? No problem: How seniors can start volunteering

Santhanam Srinivasan (left), an RSVP Singapore volunteer, shows Leong Wing Sun (centre) and Sheila Lim how to operate a drone.

Published Oct 11, 2026, 05:00 AM

Updated Oct 11, 2026, 05:00 AM

SINGAPORE – As Singapore becomes a super-aged society , senior volunteerism offers a powerful way to redefine ageing. It allows older adults to remain active contributors, strengthen social bonds and contribute to the wider community.

Staying engaged benefits not only the individuals themselves, but also builds a more cohesive society, said Edna Claudine Leong, executive director of RSVP Singapore, a non-profit organisation that encourages senior volunteerism.

For seniors keen to get started, here are five tips.

1. Play to your strengths

Approach organisations like RSVP Singapore to explore opportunities suited to different interests and strengths. For example, tech-savvy seniors can guide their peers in using smartphones and apps, while former educators can conduct active ageing programmes, said Andy Seet, chief operating officer of PCF Sparkle Care. No prior experience is needed as organisations provide training, including orientation and preparation for specific programmes.

2. Start small, according to your schedule

It may be easier to fit volunteering into daily routines with shorter, more manageable sessions , especially when they are located near home .

Some seniors prefer a regular weekly commitment, while others opt for project-based or ad-hoc roles that work around changing family and caregiving responsibilities.

Flexible options help seniors stay engaged according to their circumstances, said Charis Chan, assistant secretary-general of operations at the Singapore Red Cross.

3. Build friendships along the way

Volunteering is a chance to meet like-minded people and build meaningful friendships. Many activities are carried out in teams, so volunteers can learn from and support one another.

RSVP has found that these social connections are a key reason volunteers remain engaged for years.

4. Bring a family member or friend along

Bringing someone along can make the first step less daunting and more enjoyable . RSVP’s monthly IGNITE@RSVP recruitment sessions encourage prospective volunteers to attend in pairs or groups to learn about opportunities together .

5. Volunteer at your own pace

While mobility and health concerns may be considerations, volunteering roles can be redesigned to suit the individual. Karen Wee, executive director of Lions Befrienders, said someone who once made home visits may later prefer telephone check-ins, while another who cannot manage a full-day event might be able to chip in for an hour at a venue closer to home. Those with deep professional experience might mentor, teach or advise instead of taking on physically demanding tasks.

Chin Soo Fang is senior correspondent at The Straits Times, covering a wide range of topics including community, politics, social issues, consumer, culture and heritage.

RSVP新加坡志愿者Santhanam Srinivasan（左）向Leong Wing Sun（中）和Sheila Lim演示如何操作无人机。

发布于2026年10月11日 上午5:00

更新于2026年10月11日上午5:00

新加坡——随着新加坡步入超老龄化社会，老年人志愿服务为重新定义老龄化提供了一种强有力的途径。它使老年人能够继续积极参与社会活动，加强社会联系，并为更广泛的社区做出贡献。

新加坡老年人志愿服务协会（RSVP Singapore）执行董事梁爱娜表示，积极参与志愿服务不仅对个人有益，还能建设一个更具凝聚力的社会。RSVP Singapore是一个鼓励老年人参与志愿服务的非营利组织。

对于渴望开始锻炼的老年人，这里有五个建议。

1.发挥你的优势

您可以联系像RSVP Singapore这样的机构，探索适合自己兴趣和优势的机会。例如，PCF Sparkle Care的首席运营官Andy Seet表示，精通科技的长者可以指导同龄人使用智能手机和应用程序，而退休教师则可以开展积极老龄化项目。无需任何经验，因为这些机构会提供培训，包括项目介绍和准备工作。

2. 根据你的日程安排，从小处着手。

如果志愿服务时间较短、更易于管理，尤其是在家附近，那么就更容易将志愿服务融入日常生活中。

有些老年人喜欢每周固定的工作安排，而另一些老年人则选择以项目为基础或临时性的工作，以适应不断变化的家庭和照护责任。

新加坡红十字会行动助理秘书长陈嘉莉表示，灵活的选择有助于老年人根据自身情况保持参与度。

3. 在此过程中建立友谊

志愿服务是结识志同道合的人并建立有意义的友谊的机会。许多活动都是以团队形式开展的，因此志愿者可以互相学习、互相支持。

RSVP发现，这些社交联系是志愿者多年保持参与度的关键原因。

4. 带上一位家人或朋友

带上伙伴可以让迈出第一步不再那么令人畏惧，也更加愉快。RSVP每月举办的IGNITE@RSVP招募会鼓励有意成为志愿者的朋友们结伴或分组参加，共同了解各种机会。

5. 按自己的节奏做志愿者

虽然行动不便和健康状况可能需要考虑，但志愿服务的角色可以根据个人情况进行调整。狮子会互助会执行主任凯伦·魏表示，曾经进行家访的人可能更喜欢电话问候，而无法参加全天活动的人或许可以在离家较近的地点抽出一个小时来帮忙。拥有丰富专业经验的人可以从事指导、教学或咨询工作，而不是承担体力劳动。

Chin Soo Fang 是《海峡时报》的资深记者，报道范围广泛，包括社区、政治、社会问题、消费者、文化和遗产等话题。