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Hannigan C, Kelly M, Holton E, Lawlor B, Scharf T, Kee F, Moynihan S, O'Reilly A, McHugh Power J. Mechanisms through which befriending services may impact the health of older adults: A dyadic qualitative investigation. J Health Psychol 2024:13591053241235846. [PMID: 38439512 DOI: 10.1177/13591053241235846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Befriending services are often delivered to older adults with a view to improving social connectedness, but they may also lead to improved health. The objective of the current study was to explore potential mechanisms through which befriending services might impact the health of older adults. Data were collected from 13 befriendee-befriender dyads (n = 26), using a constructivist grounded theory and dyadic analytic approach. Potential mechanisms were described, using a realist evaluative framework of mechanistic processes in a complex intervention context. Five mechanisms of action triggered by the intervention were identified: supporting health behaviours; providing emotional support; improving mood; getting cognitive stimulation and novelty; and providing opportunities for socialising. We identified five potential mechanisms through which befriending services might impact health for older people. Our results suggest potential mechanisms through which befriending might positively impact the health of older people, and which should be evaluated empirically in future research.
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Zhu X, Dong Z, Wu Y, Xu DW. A review of different types of volunteer programs for older adults with and without cognitive impairment. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1164952. [PMID: 37397711 PMCID: PMC10311508 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1164952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Theoretical models and empirical evidence suggest an association between volunteering and health outcomes in older adults. However, less is known about existing programs that involve older adults engaging in formal volunteering, especially programs for older volunteers with cognitive impairment. In this review, we summarized and evaluated different types of volunteering-based programs involving older volunteers with and without cognitive impairment. After a non-systematic literature search, we presented eight example volunteer programs. Older volunteers participate in the programs in person or remotely. In five of the programs, older volunteers without cognitive impairment participate in intergenerational engagement, support and referral, home visiting, and dementia care services. The other three programs specifically recruit older volunteers with cognitive impairment and provide intergenerational engagement and individualized volunteer activities. Both strengths and challenges identified in the programs were discussed. Different types of volunteering-based programs are available for engaging older volunteers. For volunteers to remain active during the pandemic or for volunteers who live with cognitive impairment, remote programs can be a valuable alternative. Program effects on older volunteers need to be tested in more rigorously designed studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianghe Zhu
- Department of Psychology, School of Mental Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health), Wenzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Alzheimer's Disease of Zhejiang Province, Institute of Aging, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, The Affiliated Kangning Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Zhiwei Dong
- College of Management, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Yili Wu
- Department of Psychology, School of Mental Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health), Wenzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Alzheimer's Disease of Zhejiang Province, Institute of Aging, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, The Affiliated Kangning Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Dong-Wu Xu
- Department of Psychology, School of Mental Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Key Laboratory of Alzheimer's Disease of Zhejiang Province, Institute of Aging, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, The Affiliated Kangning Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
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Tierney S, Mahtani KR, Wong G, Todd J, Roberts N, Akinyemi O, Howes S, Turk A. The role of volunteering in supporting well-being - What might this mean for social prescribing? A best-fit framework synthesis of qualitative research. HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE IN THE COMMUNITY 2022; 30:e325-e346. [PMID: 34337817 DOI: 10.1111/hsc.13516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2021] [Revised: 06/27/2021] [Accepted: 07/04/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Volunteering for an organisation, charity or group enables people to make connections with others and to be involved in interesting, worthwhile and/or enjoyable pursuits. Engaging in volunteering can form part of a social prescribing action plan developed between a patient and link worker. Greater understanding of the processes through which volunteering can improve people's well-being as part of social prescribing will help to support link workers in their role. We conducted a best-fit framework synthesis of qualitative literature on volunteering and well-being. Our search of eight electronic databases, complemented by a Google search, conducted in June 2020, resulted in the location of 2210 potentially relevant references. After screening, 335 papers were read in full and 54 drawn upon within the review. They were published between 1993 and 2020. We used the New Economics Foundation's Five Ways to Well-Being model to guide data extraction and synthesis. From this, we developed a conceptual framework that highlights how volunteering can contribute to identity validation and modification leading to the establishment of an acceptable sense of self. Our findings have implications for: (a) the use of volunteering as part of a link worker's toolkit as they seek to support people with varying psychosocial needs and (b) requirements of organisations accepting referrals to volunteering as part of social prescribing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Tierney
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Kamal R Mahtani
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Geoffrey Wong
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Joy Todd
- Gardens, Libraries and Museums (GLAM), University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Nia Roberts
- Bodleian Health Care Libraries, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Oluwafunmi Akinyemi
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Seth Howes
- Worcester College, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Amadea Turk
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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