Golden givers

Finance | 1 Feb 2005

Older people are more generous than any other age group when giving to charity, according to new research from CAF. The research, based on an analysis of the Expenditure and Food Survey 2002-03, found that over one third of households headed by a 70 year old give to charity, compared to just over 18 per cent of those headed by someone in their 20s. In addition, households headed by older people also tend to give more per person each week.

The amount of money given to charity as a percentage of household income is also far higher in households where the head is retired. They give 1.8 per cent of their income to charity, a full 1 per cent above all other groups.

One possible reason is that, with fewer dependents and diminishing financial responsibilities, older people have an increasing amount of disposable income. However, Cathy Pharoah, director of research at CAF, said: "The proportion of 70 year olds giving to charity has been growing steadily for the last 25 years. What this seems to indicate is that our ageing population, far from being a drain on society, has a firmly entrenched sense of social responsibility. What we need to ensure is that these values, and the commitment to give to charity, are passed on."

Directory: Charities Aid Foundation
Who's Who: Cathy Pharoah

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