ERIC Number: EJ1135312
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2017-May
Pages: 18
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0741-7136
EISSN: N/A
Older Lifelong Learners' Motivations for Participating in Formal Volunteer Activities in Urban Communities
Yamashita, Takashi; López, Erick B.; Soligo, Marta; Keene, Jennifer R.
Adult Education Quarterly: A Journal of Research and Theory, v67 n2 p118-135 May 2017
In recent years, volunteering has received increasing attention as a unique form of learning, one which may complement lifelong learning programs for older adults. This study examined the underlying volunteer motivations as well as formal volunteer behaviors among older adult lifelong learners. Data from 277 members of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute in an urban community in the western part of the United States were analyzed using exploratory factor analysis and binary logistic regression models. Results showed that generativity (i.e., a desire to help next generations or communities), personal development, and well-being are salient underlying volunteer motivators. However, only generativity was associated with actual volunteering among older lifelong learners (odds ratio = 1.55; standard error = 0.17; p < 0.05). These findings suggested that existing lifelong learning programs might consider incorporating volunteer-based service learning components into their curricula in order to further promote the benefits of lifelong learning among older adults.
Descriptors: Older Adults, Lifelong Learning, Volunteers, Motivation, Urban Areas, Factor Analysis, Regression (Statistics), Individual Development, Altruism, Well Being, Service Learning, Aging (Individuals), Quality of Life, Statistical Analysis, Online Surveys
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research; Tests/Questionnaires
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Nevada (Las Vegas)
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A