Promoting Volunteering Among Older Adults in Hong Kong: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Public Health
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• Volunteering is linked to improved health outcomes in older adults.
• Older adults in Hong Kong exhibit lower volunteering rates compared to Western countries.
• Limited research exists on effective interventions to boost volunteering among Hong Kong's elderly population.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of a theory-based social-cognitive intervention on promoting volunteerism in older adults.
• To address the gap in understanding how to motivate elderly individuals to engage in community service in Hong Kong.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial involving 264 community-dwelling older adults in Hong Kong.
• Experimental group received a 4-week face-to-face volunteering intervention; active control group received physical activity sessions.
• Volunteering time, self-efficacy, intention, action planning, and self-monitoring were measured at multiple follow-up points.

Main Results:

• Participants in the intervention group showed significantly increased monthly volunteering minutes compared to the control group.
• These increases were observed at 6-week, 3-month, and 6-month follow-ups.
• Self-efficacy, intention, and action planning emerged as significant mediators of the intervention's effect on volunteering.

Conclusions:

• The social-cognitive intervention proved effective in enhancing volunteering behavior among older adults in Hong Kong.
• The study validates the use of established behavior change techniques to promote community engagement in later life.
• Findings support the development and implementation of similar interventions to foster volunteerism in aging populations.