voluntary organisations, social enterprises and volunteering
voluntary organisations, social enterprises and volunteering
voluntary organisations, social enterprises and volunteering
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Why the happiest volunteers are those over the age of 40
Created: 17/04/2024
News/Events Category: Volunteering
A recent study by the University of Birmingham shows that the positive association between volunteering and good mental health becomes apparent at around the age of 40 and continues into old age. Research participants of the same age who had never volunteered had lower levels of emotional wellbeing compared to those who do volunteer. The study also shows that women volunteer more than men.
The findings take into account a range of other potential influential factors such as marital status, educational attainment, and social class. Previous research has suggested that people who volunteer are likely to have more resources, a larger social network, and more power and prestige, all of which are associated with better health.
The study also shows:
- Volunteering may be more meaningful and potentially beneficial at certain points across the life course
- During a time of concerns about social isolation, voluntary action might provide those in middle to older age with greater opportunities for beneficial activities and social contacts, having some protective effects on health status
- Volunteering may provide a sense of purpose, because regular volunteering helps contribute to the maintenance of social networks - this is especially the case for older people who live in isolation
- Due to the pressures of austerity and the distribution of voluntary organisations, the opportunities to participate are not always available everywhere
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