December 30, 2002 (The Editor’s Desk is updated each business day.)

Volunteering across the ages

Among persons of working age, 35- to 54-year olds were the most likely to volunteer in 2002, with roughly 1 in 3 having donated their time. 

[Chart data—TXT]

Teenagers also had a relatively high volunteer rate, 26.9 percent, perhaps reflecting an emphasis on volunteer activities in schools. 

Volunteer rates were lowest among persons in their early twenties (18.2 percent) and among those age 65 years and over (22.7 percent). Volunteers age 65 and over, however, devoted the most time annually—a median of 96 hours—to volunteer activities. Those age 25 to 34 years spent the least time, volunteering a median of 34 hours during the year.

These data are from a supplement to the September 2002 Current Population Survey. Data in this article refer to the period from September 2001 to September 2002. Find out more in "Volunteering in the United States," news release USDL 02-686.


Related TED articles:

• Volunteering in the U.S.
• College grads have highest volunteer rate