Factors Affecting Volunteerism among Older Adults

Abstract

This study examines whether employment status has an effect on a person's decision to volunteer and the number of hours volunteered. The data are from the 1993 Asset and Health Dynamics Among the Oldest Old (AHEAD) study. Demographic and socioeconomic characteristics are used to determine the rate of volunteering in relation to employment status because fewer people remain in the workforce among the older population. A logistic regression analysis was conducted to examine the relationship between respondents who did or did not volunteer within the past 12 months. A regression analysis suggested that part-time work, age, education, importance of religion, and health status are significantly related to volunteer hours. Although only a small number of respondents are currently working, the number of volunteer hours contributed is higher in comparison to past studies.