Older women who volunteer: tapping a valuable woman resource.

Abstract

Older women are increasing in number and are the gender who most often volunteer. Thus, an increasing pool of older women volunteers may be forthcoming. Keeping these women satisfied can serve them and the people they serve. The 119 women in this study range in age from 60 to 93, are racially diverse, and are most often low-to-middle income. For these women, volunteer satisfaction and retention relate to interaction on the job, recognition for their work, and meeting their own expectations. Methods for meeting these needs are suggested.