Researchers used Add Health data to investigate the impact of volunteering on crime involvement later in life, as studies have shown that volunteerism or community service can increase levels of prosocial behavior, belonging, and happiness among adolescents. Participants reported their illegal behaviors, arrests, and convictions during Waves III and IV of Add Health.
For most of her career, Dorothy Keenan worked with older adults, eventually becoming the supervisor of senior services in Fairfax County, Va. But three years ago, as a retiree, she decided to focus on the younger generation, volunteering at elementary schools that primarily serve lower-income children.
April is National Volunteer Month, a time to show appreciation for volunteers, and hopefully inspire others to take up a worthy cause as well. While the people and organizations who rely on volunteers certainly benefit from the assistance, studies show that the volunteers themselves have much to gain from these experiences. From physical to mental health, participating in volunteering activities can be especially beneficial for seniors.
Volunteering is beneficial not only for individuals’ well-being but also for society’s well-being; yet only a fraction of U.S. citizens regularly engage in volunteer activities. This study examined how underlying motivations are associated with interest in volunteering for individuals in three major life phases: early, middle, and later adulthood.
Pairing older adult volunteers with children is the ultimate intergenerational win-win. Research shows that from volunteerism springs more purpose and better health. Kids benefit from more attention, higher self-esteem, and better grades.
A new graffiti crew, clutching canisters of green spray paint, is roaming the streets of Levenshulme, but they are not tagging walls. Instead, the “graffiti grannies” – a group of activist pensioners – in this postindustrial suburb of Manchester, England, mark every hole in the sidewalk that could trip them up, challenging the city council to bring in the pavers. As players in a growing “age-friendly” movement, they are part of a revolution in the ways that cities are adapting to their rapidly aging populations.
How do you find the right place to volunteer? Kerry Hannon from Forbes has nine tips for finding an ideal volunteering gig based on your background and goals…Read more
Research published in the Journal of Gerontology in 2016 found that working and volunteering were both associated with a reduction in functional limitation derived from chronic health conditions. Productive activity, the authors argue, is vital for successful aging…Read more
Longevity expert Dr. Dawn Carr of Florida State University argues that intergenerational engagement is an untapped resource for reducing inequality and increasing quality of life for people of all ages…Read more
Does volunteering always do what it is supposed to: help the disadvantaged? A New York Times reporter investigated the rise of international “voluntourism,” and its often negative affects on alleviating global poverty…Read more