Meet the 92-year-old volunteer who brings joy and drinks to palliative care patients
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In a world where the hustle and bustle of daily life often leaves little room for reflection, there are those whose selfless acts remind us of the profound impact one individual can have on the lives of others.
Colin Apelt, a sprightly 92-year-old man, is one such individual whose story is not just inspiring but also a testament to the power of human connection and the difference it can make, especially to those in their twilight years.
While many nonagenarians are enjoying a well-deserved rest, Mr Apelt has chosen a different path.
For some time, he has been a familiar and welcome presence at St Vincent's Private Hospital in Brisbane, where he volunteers his time to serve drinks and, more importantly, offer companionship to those in palliative care.
‘I’ve been taking the drinks trolley around most of that time,’ he said.
Mr Apelt's dedication to his volunteer work is nothing short of extraordinary.
His weekly routine involves pushing a drinks trolley through the hospital's wards, but it's not just about quenching physical thirst; it's about providing a listening ear and a warm smile to those facing the final stages of their lives.
It's a simple gesture but one that carries immense weight for patients and their families during a time when comfort and kindness are needed most.
‘Often, it’s the conversation which is more important, the drink is just an icebreaker,’ Mr Apelt stated.
The impact of Mr Apelt's visits cannot be overstated. For patients, the sight of his friendly face is a beacon of normalcy and warmth in an environment that can often feel clinical and impersonal. His presence is a reminder that beyond their illness, they are seen and valued as individuals.
One patient noted: ‘Well, it’s not so much the tipple, it’s seeing Colin really.’
Mr Apelt shared that he understands the importance of a company due to personal experience.
‘Having, you know, been with my wife through that time, I realise how helpful that is,' Mr Apelt shared.
When asked about the lessons he has learned from volunteering, he replied: ‘I suppose that giving brings a very great reward to the giver.’
He continued: ‘The knowledge that I’ve given a certain amount of comfort and joy to patients who are at the final stages of their life.’
Mr Apelt's story is a powerful example of how volunteering can enrich the lives of others, as well as one's own.
Research has shown that volunteering can have significant health benefits for older adults, including reduced risk of depression, increased physical activity, and even longer lifespan.
Chief Executive Officer of Volunteering Australia, Mark Pearce stated: ‘[Older Australians] are valuable for a whole lot of reasons, but in the context of volunteering, there is both the value to the volunteer themselves and also to the community.’
According to Mr Pearce, volunteering is currently being considered for inclusion in Australia's upcoming national health policy.
In the United Kingdom, doctors have the authority to prescribe volunteering as a form of treatment for depression and other issues related to loneliness.
‘It’s part of the prescribing structure in the UK and it is being considered here, especially for older Australians, to say if you are feeling the effects of loneliness and disconnection if you are feeling the effect of depression which comes as a function of disconnection, then volunteering is a good way of alleviating some of those symptoms,’ he explained.
Mr Apelt's story is a reminder that age is no barrier to making a meaningful contribution to society. It challenges us to look at our own lives and consider how we might use our time, experience, and compassion to make a difference in our communities.
You can watch the interview with Mr Apelt here:
Source: ABC Brisbane/Facebook
As we celebrate Mr Apelt's remarkable dedication, we also recognise the countless other senior volunteers who quietly make our world a better place.
Whether it's through mentoring, charity work, or simply being a good neighbour, their contributions are invaluable.
We invite you to share your own experiences or stories of volunteering in the comments below. Have you found a unique way to give back to your community? What inspires you to volunteer your time and energy? Share your experiences in the comments below!
Colin Apelt, a sprightly 92-year-old man, is one such individual whose story is not just inspiring but also a testament to the power of human connection and the difference it can make, especially to those in their twilight years.
While many nonagenarians are enjoying a well-deserved rest, Mr Apelt has chosen a different path.
For some time, he has been a familiar and welcome presence at St Vincent's Private Hospital in Brisbane, where he volunteers his time to serve drinks and, more importantly, offer companionship to those in palliative care.
Colin Apelt volunteers at St Vincent Private Hospital. Image source: ABC
‘I’ve been taking the drinks trolley around most of that time,’ he said.
Mr Apelt's dedication to his volunteer work is nothing short of extraordinary.
His weekly routine involves pushing a drinks trolley through the hospital's wards, but it's not just about quenching physical thirst; it's about providing a listening ear and a warm smile to those facing the final stages of their lives.
It's a simple gesture but one that carries immense weight for patients and their families during a time when comfort and kindness are needed most.
‘Often, it’s the conversation which is more important, the drink is just an icebreaker,’ Mr Apelt stated.
The impact of Mr Apelt's visits cannot be overstated. For patients, the sight of his friendly face is a beacon of normalcy and warmth in an environment that can often feel clinical and impersonal. His presence is a reminder that beyond their illness, they are seen and valued as individuals.
One patient noted: ‘Well, it’s not so much the tipple, it’s seeing Colin really.’
Mr Apelt shared that he understands the importance of a company due to personal experience.
‘Having, you know, been with my wife through that time, I realise how helpful that is,' Mr Apelt shared.
When asked about the lessons he has learned from volunteering, he replied: ‘I suppose that giving brings a very great reward to the giver.’
He continued: ‘The knowledge that I’ve given a certain amount of comfort and joy to patients who are at the final stages of their life.’
Mr Apelt's story is a powerful example of how volunteering can enrich the lives of others, as well as one's own.
Research has shown that volunteering can have significant health benefits for older adults, including reduced risk of depression, increased physical activity, and even longer lifespan.
Chief Executive Officer of Volunteering Australia, Mark Pearce stated: ‘[Older Australians] are valuable for a whole lot of reasons, but in the context of volunteering, there is both the value to the volunteer themselves and also to the community.’
According to Mr Pearce, volunteering is currently being considered for inclusion in Australia's upcoming national health policy.
In the United Kingdom, doctors have the authority to prescribe volunteering as a form of treatment for depression and other issues related to loneliness.
‘It’s part of the prescribing structure in the UK and it is being considered here, especially for older Australians, to say if you are feeling the effects of loneliness and disconnection if you are feeling the effect of depression which comes as a function of disconnection, then volunteering is a good way of alleviating some of those symptoms,’ he explained.
Mr Apelt's story is a reminder that age is no barrier to making a meaningful contribution to society. It challenges us to look at our own lives and consider how we might use our time, experience, and compassion to make a difference in our communities.
You can watch the interview with Mr Apelt here:
Source: ABC Brisbane/Facebook
As we celebrate Mr Apelt's remarkable dedication, we also recognise the countless other senior volunteers who quietly make our world a better place.
Whether it's through mentoring, charity work, or simply being a good neighbour, their contributions are invaluable.
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