Older people remain the most generous in society when it comes to charitable giving, according to new research.

The research from CAF (Charities Aid Foundation), based on responses of 7,000 households to the Expenditure and Food Survey 2002-03 of the Office of National Statistics found that over one third of households headed by a 70 year old give to charity, compared to just over 18% of those in their 20s. Older households also tend to give more per person each week, even taking into account different income levels.

The research found the amount given to charity as a percentage of household income far higher in households where the head is retired, with donations standing at 1.8% of household income – a full one per cent above all other groups.

Cathy Pharoah, director of research at CAF, says the figures are not simply due to higher levels of disposable income among older households. "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 to future generations."