Do predictors of volunteering in older age differ by health status?

Abstract

It has been widely recognised that poor health is one of the main barriers to participation in volunteer activities in older age. Therefore, it is crucial to examine the participation of older people in volunteering, especially those in poor health. Based on the resource theory of volunteering, the aim of this study is to better understand the correlates of volunteering among older people with different health statuses, namely those without health problems (neither multimorbidity nor disability), those with mild health problems (multimorbidity or disability), and those with severe health problems (multimorbidity and disability). Data were drawn from the fourth wave (2011-2012, release 1.1.1) of the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe, which includes European people aged 50 years or older. The results showed that variables linked to volunteering were generally similar regardless of health status, but some differences were nevertheless identified. For older people with mild or severe health problems, for instance, depressive symptoms were negatively associated with their involvement in volunteer activities. We found a positive association of being widowed (rather than married) with volunteering in older people with particularly poor health, whereas high income was associated with volunteering in the case of mild health problems only. These results demonstrate that variables associated with volunteer participation partially differ between older people depending on their health status. These differences should be considered by policy makers in their attempts to promote volunteering in older people, as a means of preventing their social exclusion.

Increasing social participation of older people: are there different barriers for those in poor health? Introduction to the special section

“…Below we highlight some notable findings that are specific per type of participation. Principi et al (2016), examining predictors of volunteering, show that in particular older people with multimorbidity are more likely to be volunteering if they are widowed (rather than married or cohabiting). Previous studies often showed the reverse, but this finding possibly indicates that some people in poor health who lost a relationship compensate for this by volunteering.…”

“…On the other hand, a large amount of time allocated to a certain activity can inhibit the decision to participate in other activities. This may apply in particular to labour market participation, a factor that is negatively associated with the outcomes volunteering and grandparenting Principi et al 2016). Because patterns of complementing or competing activities are probably better predictors of health and wellbeing (Morrow-Howell 2010), future studies should address in particular combinations of activities, and their health effects.…”

Determinants of Volunteering Within a Social Housing Community

“…Physical health pertains to an individual's physical functioning, bodily pain, general health, and vitality (Maruish 2012). Although longitudinal studies demonstrate the health benefits of volunteering are substantial, it is also the case that poor physical health and long-term illness or disability constrains capacity for volunteering (Onyx and Warburton 2003;Mellor et al 2009;Martinez et al 2011;Li and Ferraro 2006;Principi et al 2016;Papa et al 2019). However, the effects of physical health are more complex when situational factors and types of volunteering are considered.…”

The association of mobility limitation and social networks in relation to late-life activity

“…For example, drawing on SHARE data, Principi et al . (2016) found that variables associated with volunteer participation partially differed between respondents, depending on their health status. An analysis of formal learning activities using the same database revealed that the average participation of those with multi-morbidity was nearly 50 percent lower than those with good health (Golinowska et al .…”