The Relationship between Volunteerism and Caregiving

By Scott King

In an article recently published in Social Science Research, the authors investigated the relationships among formal volunteer work, informal help, and individual-level care among Europeans aged 50+. They sought to determine whether volunteerism, informal help, and individual care were complementary activities; and, if so, whether or not there were personality traits that could explain one’s engagement in these activities.

The dependent variables in this study relied on a respondent’s answer to the question:
Have you done any of these activities in the past month?

Voluntary or charity work
Cared for a sick or disabled adult
Provided help to family, friends, or neighbors

In conclusion, the authors discuss the possibility that a general motivation to remain active later in life drives altruistic behaviors (such as volunteerism), and has been corroborated in other research. They also believe that the existence of opportunity structures (e.g., local senior centers) may strengthen the relationship between volunteering, caring, and helping. In other words, if an older adult has access to a volunteer work center, they are more apt to realize that other opportunities exist for positive activities like helping or caregiving.

Hank, K., & Stuck, S. (2008). Volunteer work, informal help, and care among the 50+ in Europe: Further evidence for 'linked' productive activities at older ages. Social Science Research, 37, 1280-1291.

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