OVERVIEW

Benefits of Volunteering

Ethnic Differences in Volunteering

What We Know About Volunteerism

Those Most Likely to Volunteer

Organizations Likely to Attract Volunteers

Other More General Volunteer Activities

Volunteer Opportunities Nationally Available

More General Volunteer Activities in Communities

Volunteer Examples in Missouri


LINKS TO VOLUNTEER PROGRAMS

RESOURCES
 

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Volunteerism  
    
OVERVIEW

Volunteering has become a meaningful activity for all ages -- adolescents, adults within the work force, and retirees. Research has proven the positive rewards of doing for others and finding meaning in activities. Meaningful activity through volunteerism greatly contributes to an older person's ability to age successfully. The delay of retirement, and the return and staying power of women in the work force have contributed to the decline in  volunteer numbers. The need for volunteers of all ages continues.  Older volunteers, with their longer experience, may rise to the leadership within nonprofit organizations whose programs and activities depend on voluntary help.

The notion of volunteerism has been exemplified in the U.S. since the early days of barn raisings and quilting bees. Women notably led volunteer efforts. Social problems such as nursing the sick, antislavery, prison reform, illiteracy, and suffrage are examples of traditional women-dominated volunteer roles.

Benefits of Volunteering

The benefits of volunteerism are numerous:

  • Self satisfaction
  • Altruism
  • Potential learning or acquisition of new skills
  • Specific benefits for the receivers of volunteer efforts
  • Relaxation
  • Socialization
  • Status or reward
  • Career opportunities
  • Community improvement
        (Fischer & Schaffer, 1993)

Ethnic Differences in Volunteering

Volunteerism is deeply rooted in U.S. ethnic and racial components. The public and researchers have not fully acknowledged the value of volunteer activities--especially within ethnic groups. There is wide diversity within and across cultural groups. The following characteristics only begin to demonstrage a few specific differences:

  •  African Americans, through families, neighborhoods, friendships, fraternal and social groups and churches, have long served their communities
  • Chinese family associations or benevolent societies have provided information, guidance, support and sustenance to the needy
  • Native American pueblos demonstrate their shared communal experiences in an agrarian lifestyle
  • The Latino communities' high regard for family and expectation of service and support has been recognized.
  • Jewish agencies and organizations are recognized for having provided significant relief efforts, especially in the acculturation of immigrants to America
                 (Fischer & Schaffer, 1993)

Volunteers sometimes receive only modest recognition --  since their activities involve free will, beneficence, and lack of reimbursement.
 

What we know About Volunteerism
  • Women, in their 30s and 40s represent the majority of volunteers in actual numbers
  • Despite actual numbers, men are more likely to volunteer
  • There are fewer numbers of volunteers, as more women who formerly volunteered are returning or staying longer in the work force
  • 41% of those 60 years and over have volunteered in the last year
  • Older volunteers average more than one day a week, 3 ½ hours per day
  • Older volunteers would give more time if asked
      •  
      (Fischer & Schaffer, 1993)
Those Most Likely to Volunteer
  • Persons with higher education (college students are more likely than high school graduates
  • Younger persons
  • Persons with higher incomes
  • People with more available time
  • Persons in better health
  • Persons with recreational interest
  • People who believe in helping others
  • Persons interested in senior activities
      •  
      (Fischer & Schaffer, 1993)
Organizations Likely to Attract Volunteers

In order, these include:

  • Churches
  • Social Services
  • Civic groups
  • Cultural groups
  • Educational institutions
  • Health care organizations and institutions
  • Political organizations
  • Community Intergenerational Programs
        •  
      (Fischer & Schaffer, 1993)
Volunteerism Opportunities Nationally available
  • Shepherd Centers: learning enrichment, senior helping seniors
  • American Association of Retired Persons: advocacy
  • Schools: intergenerational mentoring or tutoring, latch key programs
  • Churches: community outreach programs, soup kitchens, Green Thumb
  • SCORE (Senior Corps of Retired Executives) which provides mentoring in business situations)
  • RSVP (Retired Senior Volunteer Program)
  • Senior Companions
  • Agencies that provide household and individual support services
  • Pet therapy programs
  • Disease-specific organizations: Parkinson's Foundation, Alzheimer's Association, Cancer Society, ALS, etc.
  • Red Cross
  • Senior Centers
  • Foster Grandparents
  • Family Friends
  • YMCAs
  • ACTION - programs
  • National Volunteer School Program - provides teachers aides

    • Red Cross
More General Volunteer Activities

You may find some of the following general volunteer activities in your communities:

  • Peer counseling
  • Teaching, tutoring or mentoring
  • Working with persons with mental retardation and developmental disabilities
  • Informal "fix-it" programs
  • Sewing projects such as blankets or dolls for children in the hospital
  • Clerical work for nonprofit organizations
Volunteer Examples from our Missouri Profiles

Research has verified that staying active contributes to a healthier and longer lived life and that social supports are critical to the healthy aging. While most of the activities above are formal or organized activities, the informal connections with family, friends and even strangers may be  equally critical to successful aging. Helping, teaching, mentoring and  sharing experiences are sources of untold satisfaction at any age. These activities may be a continuation of youthful and middle age activity or part of one's lifestyle.

We especially invite you to read the stories of Amy, Betty, Gary, Jack, and Margaret. These active seniors come from diverse backgrounds, and are involved in many different areas and levels of volunteering. However, each is contributing to society and feels rewarded by the experience. It is our hope that in reading these stories -- and the other stories of active, involved seniors featured on this web site -- you will find inspiration and encouragement for your own successful living.

SUMMARY

Knowledge of such benefits as altruism, learning and socialization validate the meaning of volunteerism to successful agers. The long history of charitable work to and from families and communities makes it an institution of American life. While we understand that in numbers women and persons younger than 65 years are more likely to be volunteers, more than 41% of persons over 60 years volunteered last year and would give more if asked. The diversity of volunteer activities, organizations, cultures; ages and individuals offer countless opportunities -- something for everyone. Our Missouri Profiles demonstrate some of these. The information, resources and links cited offer a menu for older adults to stay engaged in meaningful activity which betters our chances for successful aging.

REFERENCES

Atchley, R. C. (1999). Social Forces and Aging: an Introduction to Social Gerontology. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth Publishing Company.

Ebersole P. & Hess,P. (1995). Toward Healthy Aging: Human Needs and Nursing Response. (5th Edition)  St. Louis, MO: Nosby-Year Book, Inc.

Cruse, Thomas. (1993). "Leisure awareness of education: Preparing for retirement." Journal of Physical Education Recreation and Dance. 64(4)35.

Fischer, L. R., and Schaffer, K. B. (1993) Older Volunteers. Newbury Park, CA: Sage Publications, Inc.

Hooyman, N. R., and H. N. Kiyak (1996). Social Gerontology: a Multidisciplinary Perspective. Needham Heights, MA: Allyn & Bacon, A Shuster and Shuster Company.

For further relevant readings, please check the following two data bases: "Age Search"  or  "Ageline."

LINKS

Some of the above have web sites:

  • Programs sponsored by the National Corporation for Public Service include the following sites.
  • Within the U.S. Administration on Aging - Department of Health and Human Services, there is a Directory of Web Sites on Aging. There is also a listing with links to Senior Volunteer Programs (which includes most of the above).