The Gerontologist, Vol 33, Issue 2 221-228, Copyright © 1993 by The Gerontological Society of America

ARTICLES

Volunteerism by elders: past trends and future prospects

SM Chambre
Department of Sociology and Anthropology, Baruch College, City University of New York, NY 10010.

A number of surveys indicate a rise in the percentage of elders involved in volunteer work over the past 25 years. This article identifies cultural, demographic, and programmatic factors that have contributed to this increase. After describing some current policies and programs, it identifies strategies for sustaining and expanding volunteerism by elders in the future.

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