Bar chart: Adults who volunteer

The bar chart shows the percentage of adults who volunteered in five age groups in 2010 and 2020.

Overall, volunteering became more common among the youngest and oldest groups but less common among the middle-aged. The pattern of participation therefore changed from one led by older working adults to one led by the elderly.

In 2010 the 50–64 group had the highest rate, at 26%, closely followed by the 65+ group at 24% and the 35–49 group at 22%. The youngest group had a rate of 20%, while 25–34-year-olds were the least likely to volunteer, at 14%.

By 2020 the picture had changed. The 65+ group became the most active, with its rate rising from 24% to 31%. Volunteering among 18–24-year-olds also increased significantly, from 20% to 28%, and the 25–34 group improved from 14% to 18%, though it was still the lowest figure of 2020.

In contrast, the middle-aged groups declined. The 35–49 rate fell from 22% to 19%, and the 50–64 rate dropped from 26% to 24%, losing its leading position.