The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #47636

J.R. Bundens, BS, Department of Health Studies, Temple University, 1801 N. Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19122, 267-334-3711, jbundens@astro.temple.edu and J. Bressler, PhD, Center for Intergenerational Learning, Temple University, 1601 N. Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19122.

Although volunteering has been associated with an enhanced sense of purpose, improved life satisfaction and increased feelings of productivity, very little has been done to substantiate these claims in all volunteer populations and programs, especially those programs that are highly structured and incorporate the skills of both the young and old. Therefore, it is the purpose of this study to assess the relationship between self-reported well-being of older adults and their participation in structured intergenerational volunteer programs at the Center for Intergenerational Learning (CIL). Thirty-five (35) program participants completed an evaluation tool, developed to determine self-reported levels of physical functioning, locus of control, pleasure with life, and some measures of social integration and generative concern, once, prior to starting the program and again one year later. Results, as determined by Wilcoxon Signed Ranks Test, indicate no significant changes in perceptions of locus of control or social integration; however, there were significant changes found in physical functioning, measured aspects of generative concern and pleasure with life (p=0.05). Whereas aspects of generative concern and pleasure with life improved over the course of the year, self-reported physical functioning scores tended to decrease. The results of this study suggest that over the course of one year, psychological and social well-being of older volunteers tended to improve while self-reported physical functioning tended to decrease while participating in intergenerational programs.

Learning Objectives:

• By the end of the session, participants should be able to identify three areas of older adult well being that may be affected by participation in structured volunteer programs.
• By the end of the sesson, participants should be able to describe the importance of evaluating well being among volunteer program participants.

Keywords: Aging, Well-Being

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Center for Intergenerational Learning Johns Hopkins
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.