WHICH TYPES OF VOLUNTEERING
BENEFIT OLDER ADULTS?
This research explores the extent to which volunteerism impacts life satisfaction. A survey of approximately 400 participants aged 55 and better asked about their volunteer activities, including fundraising, tutoring, helping friends or neighbors, and more. Findings reveal that some activities are associated with greater life satisfaction—and those activities are not the most popular forms of volunteering.
IN THIS RESEARCH BRIEF, YOU’LL LEARN:
- how formal volunteering compares to informal volunteering in imparting psychological benefits
- strategies for individuals and aging services providers for increasing life satisfaction through specific types of volunteering
FROM THIS RESEARCH BRIEF:
“The findings reveal that older adults are commonly engaging in volunteering activities
that aren’t likely to increase life satisfaction.”
