Volunteer Programs for Older Adults in the United States: Trends and Implications

Abstract

In the US, older adults are considered important social assets with experience and skills, and there are various volunteering and social participation programs that run on their active engagement. An estimated quarter of people aged 55 and older are known to participate in volunteering in the US, where the federal government is running its own volunteer program for older adults, known as AmeriCorps Seniors. The private sector is also highly involved in expanding opportunities for older adults to contribute to their communities. This article examines the participation of older adults in volunteering in the US and some of the senior volunteering programs run by the government and private organizations, and draws implications for the development of senior volunteering in Korea.