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Background characteristics, resources and volunteering among older adults (aged ≥70 years) in the community: A longitudinal study
Author(s) -
Cramm Jane M,
Nieboer Anna P
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
geriatrics and gerontology international
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.823
H-Index - 57
eISSN - 1447-0594
pISSN - 1444-1586
DOI - 10.1111/ggi.12404
Subject(s) - social engagement , social capital , marital status , longitudinal study , gerontology , ethnic group , medicine , social support , demography , educational attainment , psychology , population , social psychology , sociology , social science , pathology , anthropology , economics , economic growth
Aim The aim of the present study was to describe (in)formal volunteering among older adults (aged ≥70 years) in the community, and the longitudinal relationships between background characteristics, resources (social, cognitive and physical functioning, social capital) and volunteering. Methods At baseline, a total of 945 (out of 1440) independently living Dutch older adults (aged ≥70 years) completed the questionnaire (66% response). Two years later, these respondents were asked to complete a questionnaire again, of which 588 (62%) responded. Results Of 945 respondents (43% male; mean age 77.5 ± 5.8 years, range 70–101 years), 34.7% were married and 83.3% were born in the N etherlands. Social capital, social functioning and physical functioning were significantly higher among volunteering older adults. Being born in the N etherlands, higher educational level, social capital and social functioning were related to formal volunteering activities at baseline, and also predicted these activities 2 years later. Regarding informal volunteering activities, we found a significant association with age, being born in the N etherlands, marital status, educational level, social capital and social functioning at baseline. Examining their predictive nature, we found that younger age, being born in the N etherlands, social capital and physical functioning were associated with engagement in informal volunteering activities 2 years later. Conclusion The present study shows that older adults remain engaged in volunteering activities, and that background characteristics (e.g. ethnic background, education) and resources (social functioning, social capital) contribute to this engagement. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2015; 15: 1087–1095.