Role Engagement in Volunteering: Impacts on Subjective Well-Being and Cognition in Middle and Later Life
2024

Role Engagement in Volunteering and Its Impact on Well-Being

Sample size: 665 publication Evidence: high

Author Information

Author(s): Lu Shiyu

Primary Institution: The University of Hong Kong

Hypothesis

The study investigates how volunteer hours and role engagement affect the well-being and health of midlife and older adults.

Conclusion

Volunteering over 50 hours annually and having medium to high engagement levels significantly improve subjective well-being and self-rated health in older adults.

Supporting Evidence

  • Individuals volunteering over 50 hours annually exhibited enhanced subjective well-being.
  • Medium and high engagement levels also reported improved subjective well-being and self-rated health.
  • Cognitive benefits were consistent across volunteer hours and engagement levels.

Takeaway

Volunteering can make older people feel happier and healthier, especially if they do it a lot and are really involved.

Methodology

Participants were classified based on volunteer hours and role engagement levels, followed by multivariate regression analyses.

Participant Demographics

Participants were aged 55 and above, from Hong Kong.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p < 0.001

Statistical Significance

p < 0.001

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1093/geroni/igae098.3707

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