Volunteering, religiosity, and quality of life in later life: evidence from Singapore

Abstract

Objectives We examine the association of the frequency of formal and informal volunteering with quality of life (QoL) among older adults in Singapore. We also assess if private (private prayer) or public (religious service attendance) aspects of personal religiosity moderate this association. In examining the moderating role of religiosity, we adjudicate between two competing theoretical views—the value-congruence and resource-compensation perspectives. Methods Ordinary least squares regression models were estimated using cross-sectional data from a national survey of older Singaporeans, aged 60 and above, in 2016. Results The frequency of both informal and formal volunteering was associated with better QoL. While private prayer did not moderate this association, religious attendance did—the positive association was stronger among those attending religious services less frequently. Conclusion Volunteering is beneficial for well-being in later life, especially so for older adults with less religious service attendance. These observations dovetail with the resource-compensation perspective, underscoring that the benefits of volunteering are amplified for older adults who are less integrated into their religious congregations. Hence, targeting those with lower levels of religious attendance might be useful in maximizing the benefits experienced by older volunteers.