Let’s have compulsory national service for 65 year olds

[Barleypilaf]

So, if it’s a good idea to press-gang 18 year olds into national service, why don’t we do the same for those getting their pension? Everyone in the first year of pension should spend at least one weekend per month doing volunteering in their community. It would help to build community spirit, help the NHS and improve people’s fitness.

https://www.ncvo.org.uk/news-and-insights/news-index/uk-civil-society-almanac-2023/volunteering/what-are-the-demographics-of-volunteers/#:~:text=Rates%20of%20informal%20volunteering%20at,those%20aged%2075%20and%20above.

“Rates of informal volunteering at least once a year are highest for those aged between 65 and 74 (52%) and lowest for those aged between 16 and 24 (38%) and 25 and 34 (42%). Rates are lower in 2021/22 than in 2020/21 for all age groups, except for those aged between 65 and 74 and those aged 75 and above”

loads of PP have already pointed out that over 65 already do lots of volunteering but could to see data confirming

Great to see the Yes Prime Minister clip being linked.

That and Yes Minister are from the 1980s, so chances are, if you are 50 plus, you'll know all about those attitudes and issues.

The series really needs to be re-broadcast at prime time on a major free channel. Just so everyone can catch up with the political and administrative thinking that is the common currency of the cohort who watched it in droves.

Then perhaps there might be fewer jibes (it's hard enough to get people to remember that those old enough to vote in the 1970s, voted "remain"!)

I know quite a few pensioners who do a large amount of childcare, be a bit costly to parents who work who suddenly have to find paid childcare if grandparents no longer available.

We know this though surely? Younger people are less likely to volunteer because they are more likely to be in education or work, and less likely to have savings/a pension which allow them to work without pay.

Rishi's played a blinder with announcing this fluff of a policy hasn't he. Everyone's so busy frothing over this that they aren't talking about any of the serious issues.

A dead cat of an announcement if ever I saw one.

The Daily Mail comments section is full of people who serve in the armed forces saying, 'bloody hell, we don't want to manage an influx of people who don't want to be here'.

Actually... I like the basic premise in OP. As a requirement for drawing state pension , for 1st 18 months it's drawn. No penalty except that anyone who doesn't comply gets their name published unless they can document disability or caring duty reasons why they couldn't participate.

My son is in AF and says it's difficult enough motivating the soldiers under his command as things are.

53% of retired people already volunteer
42% of those claiming state pension are disabled
40% of retired people provide childcare
Approx 10% of retired people care for another adult.

Seems like retired people are already pulling their weight without needing your system @lljkk

and improve people’s fitness.

Bloody hell!
You don't want that!
Not only might they choose to spend their childminding time on their National Service instead, but they might last long enough to use up all your rightful inheritance - they're all sitting on millions that should be yours and what did they do to deserve that?
Then where will you be?

(I'd hope I don't need to write "Joke!" here, but just in case: Joke!)

One of the places where I volunteer often have 'forced volunteers' via the community payback scheme.

Speaking completely honestly, when those people are there their lack of enthusiasm and interest, resentment and reluctance to contribute really drain all the joy from my day. I'm not alone in this. If they were there all the time I would not volunteer there.

And why should they? it's not the 19c, when the army or navy was the only place for men running away from debt, marriages, unemployment or whatever. It wants people it can train into being professionals, not people who HAVE to do this.

Stupid idea.

Actually... I like the basic premise in OP. As a requirement for drawing state pension , for 1st 18 months it's drawn. No penalty except that anyone who doesn't comply gets their name published unless they can document disability or caring duty reasons why they couldn't participate

Ah right. Public compulsion and shaming for people who want to enjoy the pension they're entitled to and have fulfilled the requirement of building an entitlement to over decades of working. Yep, can see that being a vote winner.

I bet you'd just love to see the pillory or the stocks back, as well.

Overtheatlantic · Today 09:19
At least pensioners have earned their lot. 18 year olds in this country are basically paid to breathe and be depressed”

What a disgusting comment. Our young people are incredibly hard working, good people.

Because that generation of people don’t need to be knocked into shape. They grew up respecting the laws of society. Leave them alone and concentrate on young people who have no direction; not that any of it’ll happen

What a horrible ageist post. Seriously!

Quite. Most retired people I know give back to the community by volunteering in some form or another.

I don't know any retirees who DON'T volunteer somewhere. Apart from looking after their own aged parents, usually in their 90's, they support: local hospice, all the charity shops, local community shop and cafe, local wildlife rescues, help out with reading for children and adults, one is even mountain rescue....... So...... Try harder OP.

I'm 64 I'd love to do national service especially if I get to do pilot training and fly a helicopter.
as it is I already volunteer in my community and would actual welcome a structure where volunteering is made more accessible

But many when younger ran their own toddler groups nowadays they are run by grans because parents are too busy looking after the children to get out toys, make drinks or heaven forbid plan a craft or messy session.

most of the retirees I know already volunteer their time to benefit the community. I am a charity trustee, parish councillor, deliver the community magazine and volunteer in a charity shop-most of the people I volunteer with are in their 70s.

I think you'll find that rather a lot of retired people do volunteering already. Walk into any charity shop and there they are. The committees of most voluntary organisations are stuffed with people of a certain age.

Not forgetting the huge numbers of people in their 60's and 70's who are carers for other relatives at home, thus keeping the frail out of care homes and saving the taxpayer billions. And of course, those who look after young grandchildren so their parents can go out to work.