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Formal and Informal Volunteering Among Older Adults: Associations With Health Across Sexual Orientations
Joseph J Frey1, Huei-Wern Shen1, Yi Wang2
1Department of Social Work, University of North Texas, Denton, TX, USA.
International Journal of Aging & Human Development
|July 17, 2025
Summary
Volunteering benefits older adults
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Public Health
- Sociology
Background:
- Previous research confirms volunteering benefits older adults' health.
- Limited understanding exists regarding volunteering's impact on lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) older adults' health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between volunteering and health outcomes in older adults across different sexual orientations.
- To determine if the health benefits of volunteering extend to the LGB older adult population.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from the 2016 Health and Retirement Study, a nationally representative survey.
- Employed weighted ordinary least squares regression analyses for a cross-sectional study.
- Included 204 LGB participants and 3,333 heterosexual participants.
Main Results:
- Heterosexual older adults showed a positive association between formal volunteering and memory rating (p < .05).
- No significant relationships were found between volunteering and health indicators for LGB older adults.
- Findings suggest potential disparities in the health benefits of volunteering for LGB older adults.
Conclusions:
- The established health benefits of volunteering may not apply to the LGB older adult population.
- Further research is needed to explore the social meanings and benefits of volunteering within the LGB older adult community.
- Highlights the necessity of inclusive research in gerontology and public health.
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