Senior volunteer service in urban communities: a study in Jinan

Abstract

China's urban communities have a large number of senior volunteers who have the time and the desire to serve society with little expectation for reward. They are caring, enjoy volunteer activities, and make use of their life-long experience and skills to serve the community and help others. In this way, they play an important role in social development. Using a random sampling method, this study chose 382 older adult volunteers in Jinan and analyzed their participation in volunteer activities. The study found some common characteristics among the senior volunteers in this urban community: most are altruistic, willing to provide service without compensation, and pursue organized volunteer activities. The study also discovered a series of other characteristics shared by these older adults: an ongoing enthusiasm for service, a desire to serve, a productive and happy ageing experience, multiple motivations, preference for honorary recognition over other rewards, strong interest in helping lonely and widowed people, and desire to collaborate with peers. Most older adult volunteers are willing to rely on their Community Residents' Committee for volunteer opportunities. The study also showed that older adult volunteers highly value the benefits they gain from helping others. In addition, they believe that participation in volunteer service plays an important role in enhancing their life happiness and allows them to realize their social value.