How Can Volunteering Improve The Individual And Social Life Of The Elderly

Abstract

The paper presents several outcomes from a qualitative research study on the topic of senior volunteering. The author presents selected findings and conclusions from qualitative data, which was collected from coordinators working with volunteers in various non-profit organizations across Slovak republic and from senior volunteers themselves. Grounded theory according to Strauss and Corbin was the main research design. Semi-standardized interviews were realized and complemented with various other textual data sources. The findings support the thesis that volunteering in a higher age can significantly improve the individual life of seniors, although many barriers and obstacles were identified too. The paper focuses on effects of senior volunteering, motivation, barriers and other interesting facts.