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Older people as a "rich resource" for volunteer organisations: an overview of the issues
Author(s)Jeni Warburton
Journal titleAustralian Journal on Volunteering, February 1997
Pagespp 17-25
KeywordsVoluntary work [elderly] ; Retirement ; Social policy ; Australia.
AnnotationKey issues relating to older volunteers are discussed in this paper. The changing demographic context in western societies is leading to a growth in the period of life spent in retirement. There is a trend within public policy documents and programmes to suggest that retired people could be regarded as a "rich resource" for volunteer organisations. Survey evidence, however, shows that older people do not currently volunteer as much as younger groups, and that this is a result of social and demographic factors. Motivational studies also suggest that there may be substantial personal benefits to be gained by older people volunteering. However, there is a potential for exploitation if older people feel that there is growing pressure on them to feel obliged to volunteer, and if a range of volunteer practice issues, which may disadvantage those who wish to volunteer, are not addressed. (AKM).
Accession NumberCPA-980106215 A
ClassmarkGHH: G3: TM2: 7YA *

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