| |
Centre for Policy on Ageing | |
 | |
|
Continued work employment and volunteerism and mental well-being of older adults
— Singapore longitudinal ageing studies | | Author(s) | Andiara Schwingel, Mathew M Niti, Catherine Tang |
| Journal title | Age and Ageing, vol 38, no 5, September 2009 |
| Pages | pp 531-536 |
| Source | http://www.ageing.oxfordjournals.org |
| Keywords | Employment of older people ; Voluntary work [elderly] ; Well being ; Longitudinal surveys ; Singapore. |
| Annotation | The effect of late life engagement in continued work involvement or volunteer activities during retirement on mental well-being was examined. Two waves of data from the Singapore Longitudinal Ageing Studies (SLAS) were analysed for 2,716 Singaporeans aged 55+ at baseline and 1,754 at 2-year follow-up. Trained research nurses interviewed participants (non-volunteering retiree, volunteering retiree, and working seniors) on mental health status (Geriatric Depression Scale or GDS, Mini Mental State Examination or MMSE, positive mental well-being and life satisfaction). Results showed that about 88% of SLAS participants were retired (78% non-volunteering, 10% volunteering) and 12% were still working in paid employment or business. At baseline and 2 year follow up, and regardless of physical health status, volunteering retirees and working seniors gave significantly better MMSE cognitive performance scores, fewer depressive symptoms, and better mental well-being and life satisfaction than non-volunteering retirees. The results of this study suggest that continued work involvement or volunteerism provides opportunities for social interaction and engagement and may be associated with enhanced mental well-being. Future research should clarify which specific aspects of volunteerism are related to long-term mental well-being. (KJ/RH). |
| Accession Number | CPA-091207205 A |
| Classmark | GC: GHH: D:F:5HH: 3J: 7XD |
Data © Centre for Policy on Ageing |
|
| ...from the Ageinfo database published by Centre for Policy on Ageing. |
| |
|