HEALTHIER SENIORS:
Government and private-sector cooperation on holding volunteer events pushed the increase, a government official said
By Chiu Chih-jou / Staff reporter
The number of people aged 65 or older taking part in volunteer work in Taiwan has increased over the past few years, with last year’s figure being about 44 percent higher than five years earlier.
Ministry of Health and Welfare data showed that 344,019 people aged 65 or older took part in volunteer work last year — 26,670 more than in 2021 and 105,000 more than five years earlier.
People aged 65 or older accounted for 31.13 percent of all volunteers last year, significantly higher than the 23.06 percent five years earlier, the data showed.
Photo: Taipei Times
Yang Ya-lan (楊雅嵐), deputy head of the ministry’s Department of Social Assistance and Social Work, yesterday said that independence, self-reliance, inclusion and sustainability are goals of the government’s white paper on the nation’s aging society, and having older people participating in volunteer services not only provides society with valuable workers, but also enhances social inclusion and community cohesion.
GOOD FOR HEALTH
Cooperation between the government and private sectors, such as holding volunteer selection events for older people and establishing volunteer banks, have also contributed to the increase of volunteers aged 65 or older, she said.
A Health Promotion Administration survey showed that about 85 percent of elderly people have at least one chronic disease, and 64 percent have at least two types of chronic diseases, but being a volunteer makes people feel happier, and can improve their physical and mental health.
The administration said that sitting for more than six hours per day can increase a person’s risk of poor blood circulation, muscle loss and reduce their thinking capacity, while the WHO has said that doing moderate physical activity regularly can reduce a person’s risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, colon cancer, breast cancer and hip joint or spinal fractures.
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