Intersections of Home, Health, and Social Engagement in Old Age: Formal Volunteering as a Protective Factor to Health After Relocation.

TitleIntersections of Home, Health, and Social Engagement in Old Age: Formal Volunteering as a Protective Factor to Health After Relocation.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2019
AuthorsGonzales, GErnest, Shen, H-W, Perry, TE, Wang, Y
JournalResearch on Aging
Volume41
Issue1
Pagination31-53
ISSN Number1552-7573
KeywordsMoves, Protective factors, Social Support, Volunteerism
Abstract

This study aims to further our understanding of formal volunteering as a protective mechanism for health in the context of housing relocation and to explore race, gender, and education as moderators. A quasi-experimental design evaluated the effects of volunteering on older adults' health (self-report health, number of instrumental activities of daily living [IADLs], and depressive symptoms) among individuals who relocated but did not volunteer at Time 1 ( N = 682) in the Health and Retirement Study (2008-2010). Propensity score weighting examined health differences at Time 2 between 166 volunteers (treated) and 516 nonvolunteers (controlled). Interaction terms tested moderation. Individuals who moved and engaged in volunteering reported higher levels of self-rated health and fewer IADL difficulties compared to the control group. Race moderated the relationship between volunteering and depressive symptoms, while gender moderated the relationship between volunteering and self-assessed health. Formal volunteering protects different dimensions of health after relocation. Volunteering was particularly beneficial for females and older Whites.

DOI10.1177/0164027518773125
User Guide Notes

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29742961?dopt=Abstract

Alternate JournalRes Aging
Citation Key9637
PubMed ID29742961
PubMed Central IDPMC6372301
Grant ListP30 AG015281 / AG / NIA NIH HHS / United States