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Volunteering as a Pathway to Productive and Social Engagement among Older Adults

Volunteering as a Pathway to Productive and Social Engagement among Older Adults

Authors :
Morrow-Howell, Nancy
Lee, Yung Soo
McCrary, Stacey
Source :
Health Education & Behavior. p84S-90S Oct 2014 41(1).
Publication Year :
2014

Abstract

Introduction: Research on outcomes of volunteering in later life largely focuses on the health of volunteers. This is in contrast to studies of youth, where attention is directed toward the effects of volunteering on subsequent productive and citizen behaviors. In this study, we examined the effects of volunteering on subsequent social and civic activity of older adults. Method: This study was conducted with volunteers from Experience Corps® (EC), a national program that brings older adults into schools to work with students. Data were derived from a baseline survey of older adults who were new EC volunteers in fall of 2006 and 2007. Follow-up interviews were conducted with 338 volunteers in fall 2010 to capture work, education, and community activities undertaken subsequent to joining EC. Results: Subsequent to joining EC, 16% of volunteers reported that they started a new job, 53% started another volunteer position, 40% started a community activity, and 39% took a class/started educational program. When asked if and how EC participation played a role in their new involvements, 71% said it increased confidence, 76% said it increased realization of the importance of organized activities/daily structure, and more than 40% said they made social connections that led to new involvements. Most reported they were more likely to be involved in advocacy efforts for public education. Discussion: Volunteering among older adults is a means as well as an end--just as it is for young people. Programs can do more to attract and serve older adults by promoting volunteering as a pathway to other engagements, including work, social, and civic activities. [This article is part of an open access supplement "Fostering Engagement and Independence: Opportunities and Challenges for an Aging Society," published in SOPHE's "Health Education & Behavior." This supplement was supported by funding provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Healthy Aging Program (Cooperative Agreement #U38HM000454) via the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials, and from a grant provided by the Retirement Research Foundation.]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
1090-1981
Volume :
41
Issue :
1
Database :
ERIC
Journal :
Health Education & Behavior
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
EJ1042039
Document Type :
Journal Articles<br />Reports - Research
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1177/1090198114540463