Song-Iee Hong

Inclusion of Diverse Older Populations in Volunteering: The Importance of Institutional Facilitation

As older adults volunteer in greater numbers, concerns are being expressed about the exclusion of older adults who have historically been marginalized from volunteering. This study identifies the importance of institutional facilitation of older adults in volunteer programs, especially for those of lower socioeconomic status. A questionnaire assessing the importance of institutional facilitation in volunteering was completed by 374 volunteers aged 60 years and older from a national sample. Institutional facilitation was measured by multidimensional items capturing role flexibility, compensation, recognition, and accommodation. Flexibility—especially, choice of activities and ability to set own schedule— was perceived as most important to volunteers. Low-income and non-White volunteers gave more importance to institutional facilitators of engagement. This study suggests that voluntary organizations can facilitate the inclusion of older adults from diverse backgrounds through increasing flexibility, compensation, and recognition.

Engaging Older Adults in Volunteering: Conceptualizing and Measuring Institutional Capacity

Concern exists that organizations are not ready to take advantage of the growing number of older volunteers. This study offers a conceptualization and preliminary measurement strategy to enhance knowledge on the institutional capacity of volunteer programs to engage older adults. Data were collected from 51 program directors to assess 10 dimensions of institutional capacity: specification of role, dissemination of information, role availability, compensation of expenses, in-kind incentive, skill development, role flexibility, role recognition, accommodation, and integration. Eight factors were identified. The subscales were moderately reliable, and dimensions were independent. Programs rated highest on the capacity to recognize volunteers and disseminate information and lowest on their ability to provide cash compensation. Subsequent research on institutional capacity depends on its strong measurement. Future works will assess the extent to which these institutional capacity factors affect the recruitment, retention, and effective utilization of older volunteers.

Changes in Activity Among Older Volunteers

Purpose: To explore changes in daily activities associated with high-intensity volunteering, this study assessed activities in a sample of 180 new Experience Corps (EC) volunteers serving low reading students in urban schools. Methods: Level of activity in 15 areas (visiting friends, reading, watching TV, etc.) was obtained at the beginning of this high-commitment volunteer experience and after 9 months of service. Latent class analyses were used to identify activity patterns, and regression analyses were used to identify factors associated with changes in activities. Results: At pre-test, 37% were classified in the low-activity group and were more likely to be first time volunteers, older, non-White, and have less education. At post-test, only 17% were classified as low activity. An increase in activity was more likely to occur for those who were low activity before joining the volunteer program. Implications: These findings demonstrate that increase in activity does occur for less active older adults who join a volunteer program.

The quality of medical care for comorbid conditions of depressed elders.

Objectives: In light of large variation in the quality of medical care, this study assesses the extent to which medical care for depressed elders is consistent with systematic quality standards. Method: Using the Donabedian model, we assess factors related to two quality measures: medical service fit and medical provider contact. We assessed 110 depressed older adults with comorbid conditions through practical guidelines of medical services. Results: We found large variation in the quality of medical care and differences between two quality measures. Structure (Medigap insurance and clinical factors) and process factors (medical professional visits, ER visits, and adequacy of informal care) influenced the quality of medical care. Conclusion: Emphasizing accuracy in quality measures, quality disparities by medical conditions call attention to the risky population with certain conditions targeted for closer follow-up. Appropriate medical care processes can enhance the quality.

Research Brief: Experience Corps: Who are the Members?

Experience Corps ® (EC) is a program that brings older adults into public elementary schools to improve academic achievement of students, through one-to-one tutoring, small group academic help and assisting teachers. It has been in existence for over 15 years and currently operates in 22 cities across the country. The Atlantic Philanthropies provided funding to Washington University in St. Louis to conduct a national evaluation of EC.