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Introduction: So far, both for the general and older population, research on human values and wellbeing mainly shows correlational associations but does not inquire about the direction of this relationship. This is also true for values and civic participation. Therefore, our objective is to identify the directional association between civic participation and Schwartz values, and between values and wellbeing, among older Europeans. Methods: A pseudo-panel was created from the cross-sectional data of the European Social Survey (ESS 2002-2018), controlling for gender, age-group, country and level of studies (n = 3926). The data analysis was performed using a cross-lagged model, applying both random-effects and fixed-effects models. Results: On the one hand, the relationship between participation and values is bidirectional, but the effect of civic participation on values is more significant since participating stimulates the development of certain values. On the other hand, although the relationship between values and wellbeing is also bidirectional, the effect of wellbeing on values is stronger since a given level of wellbeing favors the development of particular values. Discussion: We conclude that civic participation should be promoted within the older population since it directly increases wellbeing, and moreover reinforces those (Growth-oriented) values that positively influence the health, happiness and life satisfaction of older people. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Membership in voluntary organizations is associated with individual and social benefits. Due to the negative consequences of the global pandemic on older people, and the governmental challenges posed by population aging, voluntary membership is of great importance to society. To effectively promote volunteering among older people, it is necessary to understand the determinants of voluntary membership. This study analyses the influence of individual values--secular/traditional and survival/selfexpression-on voluntary membership among European adults (N = 31,985). Specifically, it examines which values orient two age groups (middle age: 50-64 and old age: 65-79), as well as men and women toward a certain type of association (Social Awareness; Professional and Political; Education and Leisure; Religion). The sample of 31,985 comprises 60% of adults aged 50-64 and 40% aged 65-79; of which 56% are women and 44% men. The empirical estimation considers different levels of data aggregation: individual, national and welfare system, therefore multilevel analysis is used as an analytical strategy. Individual-level variables from the Integrated Values Survey (2005/09, 2010/14, and 2017/20) and nationallevel variables (Gini Index and Gross Domestic Product Per Capita) from the World Bank and Eurostat are used. The results indicate that traditional and self-expression values promote membership in voluntary organizations in general more than secular and survival values. However, there are differences according to the type of organization. Furthermore, values are found to moderate the effect of age and gender on voluntary membership. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main objective of this research is to understand how civic participation influences the well-being of older people, thus being a key activity of active aging. In addition, it recognizes differences by gender, age group and generational cohort. The data are drawn from the European Social Survey (2002–2016), considering individuals born before 1965 in 14 European countries. A pseudo-panel has been constructed from the cross-sectional data and a cross-lagged model applied using random effects (n = 1412). In addition to demonstrating that there is a two-way association between civic participation and the indicators of well-being, this study provides empirical evidence that the relationship from past civic participation to present health and happiness is stronger than vice versa. Therefore, this result confirms the causal effect of civic participation on well-being. Consequently, civic participation and its activities promote the well-being of the elderly and should be encouraged through public and social policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]