Involving the community elderly in the planning and provision of health services: predictors of volunteerism and leadership.
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 frail, 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 frail, older neighbours so that they can remain living in the community.
Kloseck
Marita
M
Faculty of Health Sciences, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON, N6A 3K7, Canada. mkloseck@uwo.ca
Crilly
Richard G
RG
Mannell
Roger C
RC
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006299:Health Services for the Aged / Q000458:organization & administration*; D016852:Housing for the Elderly; D006801:Humans; D007857:Leadership; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009864:Ontario; D010379:Peer Group; D014838:Volunteers