Involving the Community Elderly in the Planning and Provision of Health Services: Predictors of Volunteerism and Leadership

• Published in: Canadian journal on aging Vol. 25; no. 1; pp. 77 - 91
• Main Authors: Kloseck, Marita, Crilly, Richard G, Mannell, Roger C
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Canada University of Toronto Press 2006
• Subjects: Age Differences; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Case Studies; Citizen Participation; Community Health Services; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Health Services for the Aged - organization & administration; Helping Relationship; Housing for the Elderly; Humans; Individual Characteristics; Leadership; Male; Middle Aged; Older Adults; Ontario; Peer Group; Personality Traits; Predictor Variables; Self Help Programs; Volunteers; Ontario
• ISSN: 0714-9808
• DOI: 10.1353/cja.2006.0025

A rapidly growing older population has led to changes in health care, including a community health movement with an emphasis on community collaboration, self-help, and capacity building. This study examined factors in the lives of older individuals that influenced their ability and willingness to participate in a health-related community-capacity building project to help their frailer, older neighbours. Using cross-sectional survey methodology, 107 volunteers who lived in a high density seniors' apartment complex known for its high health service utilization were compared with a random sample of 74 non-volunteers from the same community. Factors associated with volunteer involvement included age, activity level, functional ability, life satisfaction and certain personality characteristics. The study suggests that, within a community, the "younger-old" may be able to support their frailer, older neighbours so that they can remain living in the community.