Who are ‘Multi-Helpers’? Profile of Older Adults Engaging in Multiple Help-Giving Activities

Abstract

This study considers older adults providing multiple types of support toward different parties in both public and private domains, referred to as ‘multi-helpers’. Although individuals involved in multiple help-giving activities can be important actors at individual, community, and societal levels, few studies have evaluated their characteristics. Using population-based data for older Finns (n = 2,174) we explored the profiles of multi-helpers for provision of: (1) instrumental help to friends and relatives; (2) financial aid to friends and relatives; (3) volunteering; and (4) charitable giving. Of the respondents, 75% provided instrumental help, 44% provided financial aid, 21% participated in volunteering, and 58% made charitable donations. Overall, 7% were considered multi-helpers, as they were engaged in providing all four types of support. Having a partner, being a widow, having a higher level of education, living in rural area, being religious, and having a larger number of friends increased the probability of being a multi-helper. The findings are interpreted in light of opportunity structures and role extension approaches.

Changes in Resources and Active Engagements: A Longitudinal Study of Volunteering Among Older Europeans

“…In contrast, providing weekly childcare had a positive effect on volunteering. It is possible that weekly grandparenting is a sign of highly active older adults who are more likely to participate in multiple activities simultaneously (Hämäläinen et al, 2023;Tanskanen et al, 2022). Our findings are congruent with those of a previous study that found that grandparental childcare was associated with increased engagement in leisure activities (Ates et al, 2022. It could be that grandparenting can lead to expanded social networks outside one's home which may lead to this "cumulation effect."…”

“…Beyond individual attributes, such as good health, the quality of aging is argued to depend on active engagement in life (Morawski et al, 2022;Rowe & Kahn, 1997). Volunteering, defined as an unpaid activity that benefits parties with whom individuals do not have a personal relationship, stands out as a prime example of such an activity (e.g., Hämäläinen et al, 2023).…”

“…While volunteering is a productive activity typically benefiting the community and society at large, it can also be very rewarding for older adults, as it can provide a meaningful role in helping others, facilitate the maintenance of social relationships, and help to form new ones (e.g., Morrow-Howell, 2010). However, volunteering depends on resources that enable individuals to engage in activities, such as health, financial conditions, and available time (e.g., Hämäläinen et al, 2023;Wilson & Musick, 1997).…”