Aspects of the volunteering experience associated with well-being in older adults

Abstract

ISSUES ADDRESSED: While the psychological health benefits of older people's engagement in formal volunteering are well-documented, there is limited research assessing how volunteering may produce these favourable outcomes. To guide the development of volunteer positions that optimise outcomes, this study examined (a) which aspects of the volunteering experience are most strongly associated with favourable psychological health among older adults and (b) whether relationships between these aspects and psychological outcomes are moderated by sociodemographic characteristics. METHODS: A sample of 293 volunteers aged 60+ years (69% female, mean age = 73.33 years) completed measures assessing thei..