Volunteers indispensable for Amsterdam’s elderly

Volunteers play an indispensable role in the lives of older Amsterdammers. They not only provide practical assistance and social contact but also signal when someone needs extra support. This is evident from the new research. Future of older Amsterdammers from Volunteers Central Amsterdam (VCA) and Markant.

For the research, researchers spoke with the elderly themselves and mapped out the networks of informal caregivers, volunteers, and professionals around them. It shows that many elderly people want to continue living independently and want to maintain control over their lives. At the same time, they often find the support offerings complicated and fragmented.

Just in that complex environment, volunteers make a difference. Due to their personal involvement, they often see first when someone is struggling or could use extra help. In this way, they form an important bridge between the elderly, their network, and professional support.

Volunteer coordinators also play a key role. They ensure a good match between the volunteer and the elderly person and know how to find appropriate support when needed.

The research underscores that investing in volunteer work yields much more than just extra hands. Volunteers provide connection, early detection, and accessibility within a support network that is difficult for many elderly people to oversee.

Curious about all the insights, stories, and recommendations? Read the full research. Future of older Amsterdammers.

This research builds on ‘Together caring for Amsterdammers’ from 2024, in which VCA already demonstrated that volunteers and volunteer coordinators play an important role in identifying support needs and connecting the elderly to appropriate assistance.