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Micheel F. The Significance of Potential Volunteering in Late Adulthood: A Janus-Faced Perspective. Int J Aging Hum Dev 2024; 99:200-223. [PMID: 38414419 DOI: 10.1177/00914150241235083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
This article examines the efficacy of volunteering potential regarding actual volunteering at a later point in time. Volunteering potential consists of two components: past volunteering and the intention to do so in the future. Using two-wave panel data from the German Transitions and Old Age Potential (TOP) study with 1,196 respondents born between 1942 and 1958, binary logistic regression estimates reveal significant adjusted average marginal effects of both potential components on actual volunteering at a later stage (intention: +8.4 percentage points, past volunteering: +6.3 percentage points). Considering both components as an interaction term, analyses provide mixed results. By taking greater account of the potential volunteers, scholars and policy-makers will have better insights into how to assess recruitment potential among older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank Micheel
- Ageing, Mortality and Population Dynamics, Federal Institute for Population Research, Wiesbaden, Germany
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Karami F, Nikbakht Nasrabadi A, Torabizadeh C, Mazaheri M, Sayadi L. The challenges of voluntary care provision for hospitalized patients with COVID-19: A qualitative study of the public volunteers' experiences. Health Expect 2024; 27:e13998. [PMID: 38403902 PMCID: PMC10895072 DOI: 10.1111/hex.13998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 02/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION During the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a remarkable increase in public volunteering for the care of hospitalized patients. They faced challenges during their voluntary care provision. This study aimed at exploring public volunteers' experiences of the challenges of the voluntary care provision to hospitalized patients with COVID-19. METHODS A descriptive qualitative study with an inductive content analysis method was conducted, 2022-2023. Eighteen public volunteers providing care to hospitalized patients with COVID-19 were purposefully selected among 10 hospitals, specialized in COVID-19 care in Tehran and Shiraz, Iran. Data were collected over 7 months through in-depth semistructured interviews and concurrently analyzed using conventional content analysis methods. FINDINGS The challenges of voluntary care provision to hospitalized patients with COVID-19 were illustrated in five main categories, each with two subcategories. The categories included structural challenges, interpersonal conflicts, financial constraints, covert participation and the deteriorating condition of care provision. The subcategories comprised lack of volunteer recruitment bases, ineffective organization of voluntary activities, pervasive distrust, heightened risk of clinical errors, conflicts between volunteer commitments and primary occupation, lack of financial support, lack of family support, isolation by friends, mental trauma and physical exhaustion. CONCLUSION Public volunteers encounter diverse challenges while providing care to hospitalized patients with COVID-19, which negatively impacts their motivation to serve. By addressing these challenges, we can create a more supportive environment for volunteers and enhance the quality of care provided to patients during public health emergencies. Identifying such challenges can assist healthcare managers and policymakers develop effective strategies to mitigate mounting difficulties and enhance volunteer services, thereby improving the overall quality of care provided to patients during public health crises. PATIENT CONTRIBUTIONS Participants were identified and recruited after the study objectives were explained in person to the managers. The participants were approached and interviewed by one author. Participation was voluntary and the participants did not receive any financial compensation for their time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Karami
- Department of Medical and Surgical Nursing, School of Nursing and MidwiferyTehran University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
| | - Alireza Nikbakht Nasrabadi
- Department of Medical and Surgical Nursing, School of Nursing and MidwiferyTehran University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
| | - Camellia Torabizadeh
- Department of Medical and Surgical Nursing, Community Based Psychiatric Care Research Center, School of Nursing and MidwiferyShiraz University of Medical SciencesShirazIran
| | - Monir Mazaheri
- Department of Nursing SciencesSophiahemmet UniversityStockholmSweden
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and SocietyKarolinska InstitutetStockholmSweden
| | - Leila Sayadi
- Nursing and Midwifery Care Research Centre, School of Nursing and MidwiferyTehran University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
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Polson B, Crozier AJ, Dollman J, Gunn KM. 'If you want something to happen, you have to do it yourself': Understanding rural Australian's perspectives of health volunteering. Health Promot J Austr 2024; 35:311-320. [PMID: 37227095 DOI: 10.1002/hpja.752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023] Open
Abstract
ISSUE ADDRESSED Rurality is associated with poorer health outcomes and access to health services, yet a strength of rural living includes community cohesion indicated by high rates of volunteering. While volunteerism is an effective means to target health needs in resource-restricted contexts, research on volunteerism to address rural Australian health needs is limited. This research aimed to explore rural adults' perspectives of volunteerism in local activities and programs that had a direct health related benefit (health volunteering). METHODS Eight people from the Murray Mallee region of South Australia participated during April 2021, ranging in age from 32 to 75 years. Participants were invited to one-on-one interviews that occurred via a phone call or teleconference meeting, which were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim to facilitate thematic analysis. RESULTS Seven main themes emerged. Participants identified that (1) health volunteering takes many forms, (2) health volunteering affords local ownership and accessibility, (3) health volunteers have particular skills and values, but also (4) gain social benefits and learn new skills. Rural health volunteering was also associated with (5) a variety of personal costs, and (6) there are several environmental barriers and (7) facilitators to rural health volunteering that should be considered when designing health programs. CONCLUSION Results provide insight into how rural communities can enhance the development and application of volunteering roles to support health volunteering. SO WHAT?: Including local champions, reducing the financial burden and developing support networks for volunteers are practical suggestions to enhance levels of volunteering for health in rural settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bianca Polson
- Allied Health and Human Performance Unit, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Alyson J Crozier
- Allied Health and Human Performance Unit, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Alliance for Research in Exercise, Nutrition and Activity, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Jim Dollman
- Allied Health and Human Performance Unit, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Alliance for Research in Exercise, Nutrition and Activity, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Kate M Gunn
- Department for Rural Health, Allied Health and Human Performance, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
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Nichol B, Wilson R, Rodrigues A, Haighton C. Exploring the Effects of Volunteering on the Social, Mental, and Physical Health and Well-being of Volunteers: An Umbrella Review. VOLUNTAS : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF VOLUNTARY AND NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS 2023:1-32. [PMID: 37360509 PMCID: PMC10159229 DOI: 10.1007/s11266-023-00573-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
Volunteering provides unique benefits to organisations, recipients, and potentially the volunteers themselves. This umbrella review examined the benefits of volunteering and their potential moderators. Eleven databases were searched for systematic reviews on the social, mental, physical, or general health benefits of volunteering, published up to July 2022. AMSTAR 2 was used to assess quality and overlap of included primary studies was calculated. Twenty-eight reviews were included; participants were mainly older adults based in the USA. Although overlap between reviews was low, quality was generally poor. Benefits were found in all three domains, with reduced mortality and increased functioning exerting the largest effects. Older age, reflection, religious volunteering, and altruistic motivations increased benefits most consistently. Referral of social prescribing clients to volunteering is recommended. Limitations include the need to align results to research conducted after the COVID-19 pandemic. (PROSPERO registration number: CRD42022349703). Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s11266-023-00573-z.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beth Nichol
- Department of Social Work, Education, and Community Wellbeing, Northumbria University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, England
| | - Rob Wilson
- Newcastle Business School, Northumbria University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, England
| | - Angela Rodrigues
- Department of Psychology, Northumbria University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, England
| | - Catherine Haighton
- Department of Social Work, Education, and Community Wellbeing, Northumbria University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, England
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Morwood S, Mai D, Bennett PC, Benton P, Howell TJ. Exploring the Experiences of Volunteer Assistance Dog Puppy Raisers from the Same Program at Two Australian University Campuses. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13091482. [PMID: 37174519 PMCID: PMC10177126 DOI: 10.3390/ani13091482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Assistance dogs are beneficial; however, accessing one can be challenging due to the time, cost, and high failure rates associated with training. A major factor contributing to a high failure rate appears to be the competency of volunteer puppy raisers (PRs), with returning PRs typically more effective than first-time PRs. However, there remains a gap in the literature dedicated to examining PRs' experiences and how they are affected by the raising programs. This study analysed two groups of PRs (N = 16) from the same university-based program in different Australian regions (i.e., one regional and one suburban). Semi-structured interviews were conducted and analysed both inductively and deductively. The inductive approach identified four major themes that helped to understand the PRs experiences throughout the program: expectations as a PR, organisational and environmental support and suitability, the intensity of PR workload, and practical support. The deductive analysis identified four functions of volunteerism relevant to PRs' motivations: altruism (values), egoism (enhancement), interacting with others (social), and learning new skills (understanding). Overall, the results obtained from the two groups were consistent with past findings suggesting the benefits of organisational and practical support. These findings further develop our understanding of how to enhance puppy-raising experiences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sam Morwood
- Anthrozoology Research Group, Department of Psychology, Counselling and Therapy, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Bendigo, VIC 3552, Australia
| | - Dac Mai
- Anthrozoology Research Group, Department of Psychology, Counselling and Therapy, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Bendigo, VIC 3552, Australia
| | - Pauleen C Bennett
- Anthrozoology Research Group, Department of Psychology, Counselling and Therapy, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Bendigo, VIC 3552, Australia
| | - Pree Benton
- Anthrozoology Research Group, Department of Psychology, Counselling and Therapy, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Bendigo, VIC 3552, Australia
- Centre for Service and Therapy Dogs Australia, Melbourne, VIC 3162, Australia
| | - Tiffani J Howell
- Anthrozoology Research Group, Department of Psychology, Counselling and Therapy, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Bendigo, VIC 3552, Australia
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Notebaert L, Abdul Razak H, Masschelein S. An empirical evaluation of The Resilience Shield model. BMC Psychol 2022; 10:181. [PMID: 35871006 PMCID: PMC9308925 DOI: 10.1186/s40359-022-00891-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Resilience refers to the process through which individuals deal with the adversity they experience. Previous research has shown there are multiple factors that contribute to individuals’ resilience, leading to increasing interest in the development of multidimensional resilience models. Once such recently proposed model is The Resilience Shield, which clusters groups of protective factors into different shield layers. The stronger these layers, the better the protection against adversity (Pronk et al. in The Resilience Shield, Pan Macmillan Australia, 2021). While this model was based in part on existing literature, no empirical evaluation has occurred to date. The aim of this study was therefore to evaluate the model fit for each of the modifiable shield layers and the overall model, and to examine whether each of the constructs included contributes to observed resilience scores.
Methods Participants completed a series of questionnaires via The Resilience Shield website assessing constructs relevant to each resilience shield layer. Data from 3337 participants was analysed using Structural Equation Modelling and regression analyses.
Results The results showed acceptable fit of the measurement model for the Social, Mind, and Professional Layers, but poor fit for the Body Layer. There was also good fit for the overall model. In addition, all but one of the constructs included in The Resilience Shield survey explained independent variance in either dispositional resilience scores, or dispositional vulnerability scores. Conclusion These results broadly support the multidimensional structure proposed by The Resilience Shield model and suggest that (at least in the population in which it was tested) this may be an acceptable model to index individuals’ performance on a range of indicators that contribute to resilience.
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Dhamanti I, Indriani D, Miftahussurur M, Kurniawati E, Engineer CY. Impact of hospital readiness on patient safety incidents during the COVID-19 pandemic in Indonesia: health worker perceptions. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e061702. [PMID: 35868826 PMCID: PMC9316020 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-061702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study examined the impact of hospital readiness on patient safety from the healthcare workers' perspective. DESIGN The study employed a mixed-methods explanatory sequential design, with the quantitative phase taking precedence. We conducted an online survey of 235 healthcare workers at COVID-19 referral hospitals, followed by an interview with 11 participants from various hospital types. SETTING COVID-19 referral hospitals in Indonesia. PARTICIPANTS Health workers working at COVID-19 referral hospitals. MEASURES Hospital ownership; hospital accreditation status; hospital readiness including incident management system, surge capacity, infection control and prevention, and human resource management; patient safety incident. RESULTS According to the survey, 66.4% of the participants worked at a hospital owned by the provincial or district government, and 69.4% worked at a hospital which had received an excellent status accreditation. More than 80% of the hospitals scored well in the categories of the incident management system (86%), surge capacity (80.9%), infection control and prevention (97.9%), and human resource management (84.7%). However, only 50.6% of the hospitals scored well in managing patient safety incidents. Hospital ownership, accreditation status and hospital readiness all have an impact on patient safety incidents, which were reported in all types of hospitals by both studies. CONCLUSIONS This study provides significant results for Indonesia in terms of hospital preparedness and patient safety for the COVID-19 pandemic. The accreditation and ownership status of the hospital have aided hospital readiness. Despite the fact that no hospital in the world was prepared for the COVID-19 pandemic, hospital readiness has improved a year later; however, patient safety has not improved. Patient safety incidents occurred regardless of hospital status, with the most common occurrence being delayed treatment. Administrative errors were also recorded in COVID-19 field hospitals that were not accredited. Future research should focus on improving pandemic care quality and implementing initiatives that are applicable to all types of hospitals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inge Dhamanti
- Department of Health Policy and Administration, Faculty of Public Health Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, East Java, Indonesia
- Department of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University - Bundoora Campus, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Diah Indriani
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Behavioural Science, Faculty of Public Health Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, East Java, Indonesia
| | - Muhammad Miftahussurur
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, Jawa Timur, Indonesia
- Universitas Airlangga Institute of Tropical Disease, Surabaya, East Java, Indonesia
| | - Eva Kurniawati
- Department Cardiothoracic Surgery, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Cyrus Y Engineer
- International Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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Kritz M, Ntoumanis N, Mullan B, Stathi A, Thøgersen-Ntoumani C. Volunteer Motivation and Retention of Older Peer Walk Leaders: A 4-Month Long Investigation. THE GERONTOLOGIST 2021; 61:1118-1130. [PMID: 33073839 DOI: 10.1093/geront/gnaa159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Peer volunteers offer a promising avenue for promoting physical activity in older adults. However, recruiting and retaining such volunteers are challenging. We aimed to examine longitudinally factors that determine whether older volunteer walk leaders will persist in their role. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS We recruited older adults volunteering as walk leaders, from retirement villages in Perth, at the start of a 16-week walking intervention. Using a mixed-methods multiple case study design, informed by self-determination theory, we examined the motivational processes of three profiles: Dropouts, Completers, and Extenders. One male and 10 female (medianAge = 75 years, age range: 66-83 years) peer walk leaders were interviewed twice over 4 months, and data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Questionnaires provided information on volunteer characteristics, leadership confidence, and volunteer motivation. RESULTS Self-orientated goals, obligation and guilt, emotional exhaustion, lack of psychological need satisfaction, and perceived lack of support were barriers to volunteer persistence. Social confidence and relatedness satisfaction motivated volunteers to persist until program completion (Completers). Altruistic goals, using sustainable helping strategies, psychological need satisfaction, optimism, and enjoyment were important for continuing the role after the program (Extenders). DISCUSSION AND IMPLICATIONS Results describe how differences in volunteer motives, personal characteristics, and training may affect motivational processes that determine persistence as an older peer walk leader. We provide suggestions on selecting, training, and supporting older volunteer walk leaders to facilitate their retention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marlene Kritz
- Health Psychology and Behavioral Medicine Research Group, School of Psychology, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia.,Physical Activity and Wellbeing Research Group, School of Psychology, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Nikos Ntoumanis
- Health Psychology and Behavioral Medicine Research Group, School of Psychology, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia.,Physical Activity and Wellbeing Research Group, School of Psychology, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Barbara Mullan
- Health Psychology and Behavioral Medicine Research Group, School of Psychology, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Afroditi Stathi
- School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences University of Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Cecilie Thøgersen-Ntoumani
- Health Psychology and Behavioral Medicine Research Group, School of Psychology, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia.,Physical Activity and Wellbeing Research Group, School of Psychology, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
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The challenges of volunteering during the COVID-19 pandemic. INDUSTRIAL AND ORGANIZATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY-PERSPECTIVES ON SCIENCE AND PRACTICE 2021. [DOI: 10.1017/iop.2021.62] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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Dana LM, Jongenelis MI, Jackson B, Newton RU, Pettigrew S. Development of a scale assessing retired older adults' attitudes to volunteering. Australas J Ageing 2021; 40:e254-e261. [PMID: 33783957 DOI: 10.1111/ajag.12907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Revised: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Given positive attitudes to volunteering are likely to be associated with support for volunteering and individual participation, this study aimed to develop and test a 10-item 'attitudes to formal volunteering' scale for retired older adults that could be used to inform intervention efforts. METHOD A sample of 801 Australian retirees (62% female; mean age: 71.9 years) completed a survey that included the attitude scale, demographic items and questions assessing engagement in volunteering. RESULTS A principal component analysis identified two factors (general attitude to volunteering and attitude to participating in volunteering) that together accounted for 64% of the variance in attitude scores. A confirmatory factor analysis indicated the two-factor model was an excellent fit to the data. Cronbach's alphas for both factors were >0.80, and both were positively associated with volunteering engagement. CONCLUSION The proposed scale is a potentially useful instrument for measuring attitudes to volunteering among retired older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Michelle I Jongenelis
- School of Psychology, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia.,Melbourne Centre for Behaviour Change, Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ben Jackson
- School of Human Sciences (Exercise and Sports Science), The University of Western Australia (M408), Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Robert U Newton
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Simone Pettigrew
- School of Psychology, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia.,The George Institute for Global Health, Newtown, New South Wales, Australia.,School of Public Health and Community Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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Stathi A, Withall J, Agyapong-Badu S, Barrett E, Kritz M, Wills D, Thogersen-Ntoumani C, Fox KR. Mobilising people as assets for active ageing promotion: a multi-stakeholder perspective on peer volunteering initiatives. BMC Public Health 2021; 21:150. [PMID: 33461519 PMCID: PMC7812118 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-020-10136-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2020] [Accepted: 12/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Successful peer volunteering is central to many community-based, active ageing initiatives. This study synthesises the perspectives of a range of stakeholders involved in peer volunteering initiatives and provides recommendations as to how peer volunteers can be effectively mobilised as community assets. METHODS An evidence synthesis of qualitative data from (a) the evaluation of ACE (Active, Connected, Engaged), a feasibility trial of a peer volunteering active ageing intervention, and (b) interviews with volunteers and managers of third sector organisations providing peer volunteering programmes. Data were analysed using directed content analysis. RESULTS Ten managers, 22 volunteers and 20 ACE participants were interviewed. The analysis identified six main themes, 33 higher and 22 sub themes. Main themes were: (i) Motives, (ii) Benefits, (iii) Skills and Characteristics, (iv) Challenges, (v) Training Needs, (vi) Recruitment and Retention. Altruism, changes in life circumstances, opportunities to reconnect with the community and personal fulfilment were the main reasons for volunteering. Volunteering was described as being personally rewarding, an avenue to acquire new skills and knowledge, and an opportunity for increased social connections and physical activity. Good peer volunteers are committed, reliable, have a good sense of humour, good interpersonal skills and are able to relate to participants. When pairing volunteers with participants, shared interests and geographical proximity are important to consider. Clarity of role, level of time commitment, regular feedback, recognition of effort and strong networks for on-going support are important strategies to facilitate volunteer retention. CONCLUSIONS The findings of this study support the value of peer volunteering as a strategy for mobilising community assets in promoting active ageing. To ensure success and longevity, these schemes require appropriate funding and efficient administrative support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Afroditi Stathi
- School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
- Department for Health, University of Bath, Bath, UK
| | | | - Sandra Agyapong-Badu
- School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Eva Barrett
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland
| | - Marlene Kritz
- School of Psychology, Curtin University, Perth, Australia
| | | | | | - Kenneth R. Fox
- School of Policy Studies, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
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Bond NW. Reviews: An introduction. AUSTRALIAN JOURNAL OF PSYCHOLOGY 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/ajpy.12273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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