The Effects of Volunteering Characteristics on Successful Aging of Older Adults: With a Focus on Mediation Effects of Volunteer Satisfaction and Gender Differences

This study aims to examine the effects of volunteering characteristics on successful aging and mediation effects of volunteer satisfaction and gender differences, along with the relationships among these variables. A survey was given to older adults aged over 60 years in G city and Jeolla Province. 542 participants that have volunteer experiences were included in this study. The results were as follows: First, the mean score for successful aging was 3.87(range 1~5) and the successful aging score of males was higher than females. Second, the mean score of the number of monthly hours of volunteering was 10.11 hours but gender differences were not found. However, motivation to participate in male was higher than female. The mean score of volunteer satisfaction was 4.06(range 1~5) but no gender differences were identified. Third, the number of monthly hours was significantly associated with successful aging in male. Fourth, both male and female had mediation effects of volunteer satisfaction in the relationship between motivation to participate and successful aging. However, volunteer satisfaction between the number of monthly hours and successful aging showed mediation effects in male. Based on the results, the implications of policy and practice to improve successfu aging were discussed.