Health outcomes of Experience Corps: a high-commitment volunteer program
S I Hong1, Nancy Morrow-Howell2
1National University of Singapore, Social work, 3 Arts Link, BLK AS3, Level 4, Singapore.
Social Science & Medicine (1982)
|June 1, 2010
Summary
High-commitment volunteering in Experience Corps (EC) significantly improved older adults' health. Participants reported fewer depressive symptoms and functional limitations after two years, supporting volunteering as a health promotion strategy.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Public Health
- Social Sciences
Background:
- Experience Corps (EC) is a US volunteer program engaging older adults in elementary schools.
- The program is recognized for its potential health benefits for older volunteers.
- Evaluating the health impacts of high-commitment volunteering is crucial for understanding social determinants of health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the health effects of the Experience Corps program on older adult volunteers.
- To determine if participation in EC leads to measurable improvements in health outcomes.
- To assess the role of intensive volunteering as a health promotion model.
Main Methods:
- A quasi-experimental design was employed, comparing EC participants (n=167) with a matched comparison group from the US Health and Retirement Study.
- Participants were pre-tested and post-tested after two years of service.
- Advanced statistical methods, including Mahalanobis metric matching, boosted propensity scores, and robust standard errors, were used for analysis.
Main Results:
- EC participants reported significantly fewer depressive symptoms after two years compared to the control group.
- Volunteers experienced fewer functional limitations post-participation.
- A positive trend indicated less decline in self-rated health among EC participants.
Conclusions:
- High-intensity volunteering through Experience Corps positively impacts older adults' health.
- The EC program serves as an effective social model for health promotion in older populations.
- Findings support the integration of volunteer programs into public health strategies for aging populations.
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