Differences between Older Volunteers and Nonvolunteers: Attitudinal, Normative, and Control Beliefs

It has been suggested that older people are a rich potential source of volunteers, as prior literature has highlighted the benefits and rewards of volunteering in later life. This article examines differences between volunteers and nonvolunteers in a random sample of older people resident in Brisban...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Research on aging 2001-09, Vol.23 (5), p.586-605
Main Authors: Warburton, Jeni, Terry, Deborah J., Rosenman, Linda S., Shapiro, Margaret
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Brisbane, Australia
Elderly
Older people
Sociodemographic Characteristics
Studies
Volunteers
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Summary:It has been suggested that older people are a rich potential source of volunteers, as prior literature has highlighted the benefits and rewards of volunteering in later life. This article examines differences between volunteers and nonvolunteers in a random sample of older people resident in Brisbane, Australia. Using the theory of planned behavior as a framework, the article focuses on the beliefs that distinguish those who volunteer from those who do not. Findings from the study allowed for an assessment of both the costs and benefits associated with volunteering; beliefs about the support of others, including the broader community, to volunteer; and beliefs about the barriers that might prevent volunteering. The implications of these findings to a country with an aging population are discussed.
ISSN:0164-0275
1552-7573
DOI:10.1177/0164027501235004