A STUDY OF SENIOR CITIZENS' VOLUNTARY INVOLVEMENT AT RSVP

Abstract

In view of the low rates of voluntary involvement, the rising number of senior citizens in the future and the lack of local research in the area of senior citizens' volunteerism, this study was conducted to identify what are the factors needed in enhancing and sustaining senior citizens' voluntary involvement. Specifically, this study explores and discuss whether if i) demographic variables, ii) the familial context, iii) understanding of what volunteerism means, iv) types of motivation (i.e. intrinsic and extrinsic), and lastly, v) personal and organizational factors, of the senior citizen volunteers are significant factors in the enhancement and sustenance of their voluntary involvement. To give greater credibility to the study, a questionnaire was distributed to the active (n=29) and inactive (n=39) groups of senior citizen volunteers. This questionnaire was adapted and modified from the research survey conducted by Department of Social Work and Psychology (1997), on Volunteer Participation in Social Service and Welfare Organization. It measures the dynamics behind senior citizen voluntary involvement on the 5 domains mentioned above. Good health status, social relationship (i.e. friends, companionship), religion, family support, effective feedback system, provision of training, appreciation of volunteers, were found to be salient factors in enhancing and sustaining senior citizens' voluntary involvement. There were also no significant differences found between the active and inactive senior citizen volunteers in terms of their extrinsic and intrinsic motivation. A discussion on the implications on the findings is given. Recommendations are also provided in view of how senior citizen voluntary involvement can be enhanced and sustained in the context of the wider community.