The objectives of this study were: a) to measure the satisfaction of senior citizens' participation in volunteering, and b) to identify factors related to the satisfaction they derived from volunteer work, and c) to provide useful information for futu...
The objectives of this study were: a) to measure the satisfaction of senior citizens' participation in volunteering, and b) to identify factors related to the satisfaction they derived from volunteer work, and c) to provide useful information for future policy-making to improve senior citizens' continuity in volunteering and their satisfaction in volunteer work.
Three hundred thirty-nine senior citizens participated in this study: there were 169(49.9%) males and 167(49.3%) females. The data was collected via survey with senior citizens who participated in the volunteer activities in the metropolitan area of Seoul, Korea.
Methods of data analysis were conducted via correlation, t-test, analysis of variance, and multiple regression using SPSSWIN 12.0.
The major findings from empirical analysis were as follows:
First, the correlation between the composite score of the variables related to "motivation in volunteering(motivation)" and satisfaction in life was not statistically significant. However, the subcomponent variables, psychological and daily activity-related variables were statistically significantly related to life satisfaction. That is to say, volunteers who have a sound understanding of volunteering were more satisfied with life.
Second, the composite score of "support from family and friends" were statistically significantly related to life-satisfaction. In addition to the statistically significant composite scores, volunteers who have high scores on the subscales, such as support from family and support from friends, were more satisfied with life than those who had lower scores on support from family and support from friends. That is to say, volunteers who obtained higher support from their family and friends were more satisfied with life.
Third, volunteering activity-related variables, such as duration of volunteering activity, hours spent for volunteering, and perceptions of volunteering, were positively associated with life satisfaction. That is to say, the dmation of participation in volunteering, frequency of volunteering, and positive attitudes on volunteering were positively associated with satisfaction in life.
Fourth, in general individual charncteristics were not much associated with life satisfaction, but sex was positively associated with satisfaction in volunteering. Compared to males, females were more satisfied with life.
Fifth, among the four such factors/variables as motivation for volunteering, characteristics of activities, support, and individual characteristics, the sub category of characteristics of activity, perceptions of volunteering(β=.400, p<.001) and support of friend -related variables(β=.177, p<.01) were statistically significantly associated with satisfaction in life.
Based on the result of this study, the following conclusions were drawn:
First, the correlation between rootivation in volunteering and satisfaction in life were low, but the aspects of volunteering psychological and daily activity-related variables were positively associated with life satisfaction.
Second, variables related to personal support were associated positively with life satisfaction.
Third, variables related to volunteering activity were not associated with life satisfaction, but variables related to duration of volunteering activity, hours spent for volunteering, and perception of volunteering, were positively associated with life satisfaction.
Fourth, except for gender, individual characteristics were not much associated with satisfaction in life.
Fifth, among the four variables, such as reasons for/or motivations for volunteering, characteristics of volunteering activities, support, and individual characteristics, the subcomponent of activity-related variables, perception of volunteering and personal support-related variables were statistically significantly associated with satisfaction in life. Compared to personal support, perceptions of volunteering was more strongly associated with life satisfaction.
Based on the above findings, the following suggestions could be offered in order to enhance the duration of senior citizens' volunteer work and their satisfaction in life:
First, in order to utilize such human resources as senior citizens and to expand senior citizens' participation in volunteering, the government should offer resident-friendly programs to expand senior citizens' volunteering career and activity areas.
Second, in order to facilitate senior citizens' participation in volunteering, collaborative participation, which can be expanded from single participation to family and friends, should be encouraged. In addition, it is recommended that diverse activity programs along with eligible management systems for the activities be implemented.
Third, to enhance senior citizens' participation in volunteering and the volunteer's satisfaction in life, systematic pan-national volunteering programs such as "senior citizen's volunteer corps" should be organized and launched. In order to implement and expedite senior citizens' participation in volunteering, development and implementation of optimum policy and systems are necessary.