The presence of older adult volunteers in many nonprofit organizations is increasing steadily along with their numbers in the general population. But how can they be persuaded to keep returning? When it comes to keeping older adult volunteers, being mindful of what motivates them and their needs are significant. A critical clue lies in the reasons they find their service satisfying. That’s what will tell you when and how to hold them.
A research sample of 172 older adult volunteers reported that, in addition to enjoyment of the volunteer tasks, the degree of satisfaction with management is an important predictor of older volunteers’ intention of remaining in service. These answers have important implications on how organizations manage volunteerism and the relationship between paid staff and volunteers.
Numerous volunteer programs exist that provide varieties of tasks that need to be done. One popular program in America that is designed specifically for older adults is Senior Corps RSVP (Retired and Senior Volunteer program). It is one of the largest volunteer platforms for individuals at least 55 years of age. Their motto is “lead with experience” because experience is what these volunteers have and what our community needs.
Sharing with volunteers the many research-based benefits that they can receive is another means of encouragement. As this video highlights, those benefits include improvements in health, longevity, brain function, depression, and a sense of purpose.
Frances Shani Parker, Author
Becoming Dead Right: A Hospice Volunteer in Urban Nursing Homes is available in paperback and e-book editions in America and other countries at online and offline booksellers.
