| Title | Volunteering Served as a Transitional Role That Enhances the Well-Being and Cognitive Health Among Older Adults With Cognitive Impairments. |
| Publication Type | Journal Article |
| Year of Publication | 2021 |
| Authors | Lee, K, Dabelko-Schoeny, H, Richardson, VE |
| Journal | Journal of Applied Gerontology |
| Volume | 40 |
| Issue | 11 |
| Pagination | 1568-1578 |
| ISSN Number | 1552-4523 |
| Keywords | community, Psychosocial, Self-rated health, social engagement |
| Abstract | OBJECTIVES: We examined whether volunteering among older adults with cognitive impairments serves as a transitional role that can enhance these older persons' well-being and cognitive health. METHODS: Using data from the Health and Retirement Study, we selected older adults with cognitive impairments ( = 472) and developed linear mixed models to assess associations between volunteering and health outcomes. RESULTS: Volunteers in our sample were mostly females, non-Hispanic whites, those with higher income, and those with a high-school diploma. Volunteering was associated with higher levels of self-rated health, and consistent participation in volunteer work was related to stronger feelings of purpose in life. Cognitive health slightly improved over time only among those who volunteered. DISCUSSION: We demonstrate that cognitive impaired older adults' participation in the volunteer role can benefit cognitive health while strengthening their late life resilience. |
| DOI | 10.1177/0733464820982731 |
| Citation Key | 11354 |
| PubMed ID | 33356785 |
