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Population aging is affecting almost every country in the world and has become a global issue. This demographic shift creates huge challenges and opportunities in societies where the population of older adults is large and growing. A productive aging perspective that addresses the challenges of an aging population by drawing on the capacity of the older population is critical. Knowledge about the best ways to support such productive engagement will be essential to shaping societies where older adults, families, and communities all benefit. Culturally-specific and cross-cultural knowledge is also needed. This paper reviews four key elements of a cross-cultural research agenda to develop knowledge on productive engagement in later life: definitions, theoretical frameworks, key research questions, and core values. The aim of this paper is to catalyze research on an important topic and to ensure that this research is carried forward as effectively as possible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

What is the role of stipends as an institutional facilitator in volunteer civic service? By examining the relationship of stipend receipt to volunteer diversity, time commitment, and perceived benefits from a longitudinal study of older adults serving in Experience Corps, this article assesses stipend status relative to volunteer sociodemographic characteristics, motivations, intensity and duration of time served, and volunteers' self-reported benefits. The findings underscore how stipends may promote participant diversity. In particular, stipended older adult volunteers serve for longer periods of time, but their motivations for serving do not differ. Stipended volunteers report higher perceived benefits than nonstipended volunteers. The results suggest that stipends may leverage wider inclusion, increase retention, and contribute to other benefits, but additional research is needed using more controlled and comparative designs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Experience Corps® (EC) is a high-commitment US volunteer program that brings older adults into public elementary schools to improve academic achievement of students. It is viewed as a health promotion program for the older volunteers. We evaluated the effects of the EC program on older adults’ health, using a quasi-experimental design. We included volunteers from 17 EC sites across the US. They were pre-tested before beginning their volunteer work and post-tested after two years of service. We compared changes over time between the EC participants (n = 167) and a matched comparison group of people from the . We developed the comparison group by using the nearest available Mahalanobis metric matching within calipers combined with the boosted propensity scores of those participating in the EC. We corrected for clustering effects via survey regression analyses with robust standard errors and calculated adjusted post-test means of health outcomes, controlling for all covariates and the boosted propensity score of EC participants. We found that compared to the comparison group, the EC group reported fewer depressive symptoms and functional limitations after two years of participation in the program, and there was a statistical trend toward the EC group reporting less decline in self-rated health. Results of this study add to the evidence supporting high-intensity volunteering as a social model of health promotion for older adults. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

As the US population ages, the capacity of the older population grows as well, with increasing levels of health and education. Older adults are also highly motivated to stay vitally involved in productive activities of working, volunteering, and providing assistance to family members and friends. Too often, older adults face barriers and disincentives to their ongoing participation in productive roles. We argue that the productive engagement of older adults can be maximized by increasing institutional capacity - that is, increasing the abilities of businesses, non-profit organizations, educational institutions, and religious organizations to engage older adults. Through changes in policies, programs, and attitudes, we must loosen the connection between chronological age and opportunities for engagement in work and volunteer roles. Only by transforming work, education, and volunteer programs can we take advantage of the experience and human capital of our ageing society. [image omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reports on the results of research which was conducted in an effort to determine the institutional facilitations that are needed for sustained volunteering at nonprofit organizations. Researchers evaluated 401 older volunteers from 13 nonprofit programs from across the U.S. They found that a higher level of volunteering duration was associated with institutional facilitation factors of more role recognition, less incentive and more training hours. They concluded that certain facilitators from organizations contribute to an extended period of commitment among older adult volunteers.

Concern exists that organizations are not ready to take advantage of the growing number of older volunteers. This study offers a conceptualization and preliminary measurement strategy to enhance knowledge on the institutional capacity of volunteer programs to engage older adults. Data were collected from 51 program directors to assess 10 dimensions of institutional capacity: specification of role, dissemination of information, role availability, compensation of expenses, in-kind incentive, skill development, role flexibility, role recognition, accommodation, and integration. Eight factors were identified. The subscales were moderately reliable, and dimensions were independent. Programs rated highest on the capacity to recognize volunteers and disseminate information and lowest on their ability to provide cash compensation. Subsequent research on institutional capacity depends on its strong measurement. Future works will assess the extent to which these institutional capacity factors affect the recruitment, retention, and effective utilization of older volunteers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study uses the selection, optimization, and compensation (SOC) model to compare older adults who have given up driving, those who still drive, and those who drive less to identify differences in the three groups. Design and Methods: This cross-sectional study of 281 older adults is part of the Naturally Occurring Retirement Community Demonstration Project. Study participants completed interviews that included questions on demographics, health and functioning, mental health, social support, and current levels of engagement in activities including current driving status. Results: Data suggest that driving retirement is a process and that a substantial number of people are in the transitional stage, where they are less functional than those who still drive and more similar to those who have retired from the road. Implications: Given the similarity of those who drive less to those who have given up driving, front-line professionals and policy makers must work together to ease the transition to driving retirement for those without adequate ability to effectively compensate for their inability to continue to drive safely. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Little is known about the first psychiatric hospitalization episode of older adults with depression. The purpose of this study is to describe the proportion and characteristics of first-time inpatients admitted for late-life depression. Methods Guided by the Network Episode Model and the Andersen model, this study identifies and compares the characteristics of depressed older adults with (n = 108) and those without (n = 77) prior psychiatric hospitalization, upon admission into the geropsychiatric unit, using logistic regression. Data on a lifetime history of inpatient psychiatric treatment, clinical characteristics, demographics, social resources, and psychosocial/medical service use were obtained from patients' medical records and self-reports. Results Compared with patients who had prior psychiatric admission, first-time inpatients were associated with having: (1) late-onset depression (OR = 14.99); (2) no lifetime psychotic symptoms (OR = 0.21); (3) lower scores on the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS) at admission (OR = 0.96); (4) higher numbers of doctors seen (OR = 1.46); and (5) lower use of senior centers 6 months prior to the admission (OR = 0.12). Conclusions Depressed older adults' prior psychiatric inpatient service utilization is closely related to their past and current psychiatric needs. Also, the two groups show significant differences in health and social service use prior to the psychiatric hospitalization. However, severity of depression at admission was not different. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to develop a greater understanding of age differences in savings outcomes within Individual Development Accounts (IDAs). Participant data from the American Dream Demonstration (ADD) are examined for age differences in accumulated net deposits, average monthly net deposits, and deposit frequency. ADD program data are examined for savings match rates, monthly savings targets, direct deposit, and hours of financial education offered. Results indicate that, on average, older IDA participants have better savings outcomes than younger participants. Findings from this study suggest that impoverished middle-aged and older adults can save if provided an opportunity and incentives. However, success will depend on the characteristics of the programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses how changing work patterns may affect volunteerism. It cites several ways to increase productive engagement of older adults in volunteer roles in the face of the changes. It is noted that the longer and phased-out connections to the workplace can only increase inclusion of older adults in volunteer activities. In addition, the extent of which this opportunity is maximized depends on several developments, such as the inclusion of older workers and retirees in work-based volunteer programs, the availability and accessibility of life-planning initiatives aimed at retirees, and successful marketing campaigns.

Using the SF-12 to measure physical and mental functioning, the authors examine the intra-individual changes in health-related quality of life (HRQOL) 6 months post-discharge for depressed older adults. In addition, they examine three sets of predictors that might influence these changes. The sample of depressed older adults was recruited from an inpatient geropsychiatry unit. Although their physical and mental health scores on the SF-12 were lower than comparable norms, the sample showed an average increase in their mental functioning but a decrease in the physical functioning over the 6 months. Negative life-events were significant predictors of people who reported no change in their mental health functioning and decreases in their physical health functioning. Interestingly, those who experienced positive life events were more likely to report declines and younger participants were more likely to report no change in their physical functioning. The findings indicate that the effects of depression on HRQOL can have enduring effects on a sample of previously hospitalized older adults. The significance of life event changes might signify the importance of taking into account non-traditional areas of medical interventions. Further, the findings indicate the usefulness of the SF-12 quantifying HRQOL outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With an increase in the number of adults who are living longer healthier lives, volunteer administrators have a growing pool of potential volunteers. What strategies effectively recruit and retain older volunteers? In focus groups with 43 older volunteers, their perceptions of institutional access, information, incentives, and facilitation are assessed. Findings suggest that older adults may access volunteer opportunities through direct agency contact or social networks, more so than formal ads. They report that interest in the organization's cause and meaningful task assignments serve as incentives for volunteering. Flexibility in task assignment, verbal appreciation, and transportation facilitate role performance. These findings suggest that informal strategies and respect for older adults' expertise and current capabilities are important in recruitment and retention of older volunteers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Given the demographic changes in our society and the positive effects of volunteering on older adults and on service recipients, service opportunities for older adults should be expanded. The development of institutions is a potentially powerful route to maximizing this potential. We propose five dimensions of institutional capacity, including expectation, access, information, incentive, and facilitation. Pilot data indicates that organizations offering service opportunities to older adults vary on these dimensions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Readmission to acute care facilities is a frequent and costly problem among older adults with congestive heart failure (CHF). The study reported in this article tested the hypothesis that adequate home care, operationalized as patient-perceived adequacy of formal and informal assistance, is associated with lower readmission to acute care facilities. The study followed 253 elderly (age 65 and older) Medicare patients discharged to their homes after hospitalization for CHF, through structured telephone interviews at two, six, 10, and 14 weeks postdischarge. Study findings point to the importance of home care in reducing the high risk of readmission among elderly patients. The findings raise implications for practice, policy and research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An introduction is presented in which the authors discuss various reports within the issue on topics including best home environment for older adults in Asia, interviews with elderly people and their caregivers in South Korea, and home policies and services for older adults.

Given previously reported findings of racial differences in elderly people's use of posthospital care, this article focuses on discharge planning processes as explanations of differential service utilization. We studied the discharge plans for 369 African American and white elderly patients and examined options pursued for posthospital care by social workers, patients, and families for evidence of racial differences. We also looked for racial differences in ruling out nursing home care for reasons of patient and family preference. Discharge planning with African American patients and family members involved less pursuit of nursing home care and more pursuit of formal services in the home than planning with white patients and families. Implications for practice and future research are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As programs solicit their help in providing transportation, shopping assistance, telephone reassurance, counseling, and information and referral to needy elderly people, older adults are going to fill increasingly important roles as volunteers in the social service system for this aging society. Little empirical work has been done on effective volunteer behavior. This article aims to increase understanding of this topic by exploring how race influences relationships between volunteers and the people they serve. This analysis reveals that race by itself does not affect volunteer helping behavior; black and white older adults perform similarly in volunteer roles on measurçs of time committed to service and satisfaction levels of clients. However, the racial composition of the dyad does have significant effects on the helping relation- ship; higher levels of contact and client satisfaction are reported when the volunteer and the client are of the same race. Professional training and support are necessary to overcome problems associated with racial differences between volunteers and their clients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The authors introduce the second issue of a special double edition of the journal on the topic of productive engagement of older adults, focusing on their volunteer work.

Background and Objectives: Recent research has identified neighborhoods as an important contributor to later-life frailty. However, little is known about how neighborhood resources are associated with frailty trajectories over time, especially in developing countries. This study examines the impact of neighborhood physical and social resources on the trajectories of frailty over time among older people in China.Research Design and Methods: Using the four waves of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (2011-2018), 5673 respondents aged 60 and above at baseline were included for analyses. Multilevel growth modeling was fitted to estimate the effects of neighborhood resources on frailty trajectories over a 7-year period, controlling for individual-level characteristics.Results: Older Chinese people who lived in neighborhoods with better basic infrastructures and a greater number of voluntary organizations were less frail at baseline. Accessible exercise facilities were associated with a lower initial level of frailty only among rural older adults, while higher community-level socioeconomic status (SES) was associated with a lower initial level of frailty only among urban older adults. Over the 7-year follow-up period, better basic infrastructures and accessible exercise facilities were associated with a slower increase rate of frailty scores among rural residents.Discussion and Implications: Neighborhood resources are important contributors to the level of frailty among older Chinese people. Our findings of significant urban-rural differences have important implications for designing and implementing infrastructure development and community building programs in rural and urban China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]