I am now largely retired from paid employment, but I remain active and engaged in lifelong learning and volunteering, for example with the Scottish Seabird Centre.

My Fellowship was in 2007 and explored issues around older people and volunteering in Australia. I met with researchers, politicians and policymakers, volunteer managers and older volunteers themselves, across a wide range of perspectives and activities – from environmental and conservation volunteering, to work with migrants and asylum seekers, education and advocacy, health and welfare, arts and culture.

The impetus stemmed from my frustration with the way in which UK politicians and the mass media appeared all too often to focus on the negative impacts of an ageing population: on issues of dependency, poor health and increasing pressures on public resources. By contrast, I was enthused by the overwhelmingly positive approach I met in Australia, where public policy celebrates the fact that people are living longer and healthier lives than ever before and values the economic and social contribution older volunteers bring to society.

My promotional activities include meeting with politicians, policymakers and local groups.