Pardasani Manoj
a Graduate School of Social Work , Fordham University , New York , N.Y. , USA.
J Gerontol Soc Work. 2018 Apr;61(3):313-333. doi: 10.1080/01634372.2018.1433259. Epub 2018 Feb 13.
Senior centers in the United States play a vital role in the aging continuum of care as the focal points of a community-based system of services targeting independent older adults to promote their social integration and civically engagement. Although several studies have evaluated the diversity of senior center programs, demographic characteristics of participants, and benefits of participation, very few have explored motivations to volunteer among participants. Many senior centers rely on a cadre of participants who volunteer there to assist with programs and meal services. However, a systematic examination of volunteering interests and the rationale for volunteering among senior center participants has been missing from the literature. This mixed-methods study, conducted at a large suburban senior center, explores the interests and motivations of volunteerism among the participants. The study found that there was limited interest in volunteering among senior center participants. Those who were motivated to volunteer wanted to do so in order to stay connected with their community. There was strong interest in volunteering for single events or projects rather than a long-term commitment. Implications for senior centers are discussed.
美国的老年中心在老年护理连续体中发挥着至关重要的作用，是基于社区的服务体系的焦点，该服务体系面向独立的老年人，以促进他们的社会融合和公民参与。尽管有几项研究评估了老年中心项目的多样性、参与者的人口特征以及参与的益处，但很少有研究探讨参与者志愿服务的动机。许多老年中心依靠一批在那里志愿服务的参与者来协助开展项目和提供餐饮服务。然而，文献中缺少对老年中心参与者志愿服务兴趣和志愿服务理由的系统研究。这项在一个大型郊区老年中心进行的混合方法研究，探讨了参与者志愿服务的兴趣和动机。研究发现，老年中心参与者对志愿服务的兴趣有限。那些有志愿服务动机的人这样做是为了与社区保持联系。对单次活动或项目的志愿服务有浓厚兴趣，而不是长期投入。文中讨论了该研究对老年中心的启示。
