ABSTRACT

Volunteering is often considered an important component of productive and active aging. Although there is a rich body of literature on the predictors and outcomes of volunteering among the general older adults in the United States (U.S.), few studies have explored the unique volunteering experiences of culturally and linguistically diverse older adults. Given the growing number of diverse older adults and the importance of optimizing their contributions to society, this study investigates the challenges and benefits of volunteering among low-income diverse older adults. We conducted eight 90-minute focus groups in six languages (English, Nepali, Khmer, Somali, Russian, and Chinese) with 70 older volunteers attending a Senior Companions monthly training in a U.S. Midwestern metropolitan area. Data analysis followed the Rapid and Rigorous Qualitative Data Analysis (RADaR) technique and thematic analysis through an interactive team approach. Three overarching themes highlighted the challenges of volunteering: (1) transportation, (2) community emergencies and workload, and (3) family caregiving; and three themes reflected the benefits of volunteering: (1) stress-relief, (2) training and information, and (3) peer support and socialization. Study findings shed light on diverse older adults’ unique volunteering experiences with implications for recruitment and retention.

摘要

志愿服务通常被认为是高效和积极老龄化的重要组成部分。尽管有大量关于美国（美国）普通老年人志愿服务的预测因素和结果的文献，但很少有研究探讨文化和语言多样化的老年人的独特志愿服务经历。鉴于多样化老年人的数量不断增加以及优化他们对社会的贡献的重要性，本研究调查了低收入多样化老年人志愿服务的挑战和好处。我们以六种语言（英语、尼泊尔语、高棉语、索马里语、俄语和中文）开展了八个 90 分钟的焦点小组，其中有 70 名老年志愿者参加了在美国中西部大都市区举行的高级同伴月度培训。数据分析遵循快速和严格的定性数据分析 (RADaR) 技术和通过交互式团队方法进行的主题分析。三个总体主题突出了志愿服务的挑战：(1) 交通，(2) 社区紧急情况和工作量，以及 (3) 家庭护理；三个主题反映了志愿服务的好处：（1）缓解压力，（2）培训和信息，以及（3）同伴支持和社会化。研究结果揭示了不同老年人独特的志愿服务经历，对招募和保留的影响。