Volunteerism among Older Adults with Mobility-Limiting Disabilities: An Exploratory Study

Abstract

While an extensive research literature has examined participation of older adults in volunteer activities in the United States, there is a dearth of knowledge on the participation and experiences of older adults with disabilities. Research suggests that people with disabilities of all ages are less likely to be involved in volunteer activities, compared to those without disabilities (Burr, Mutchler, & Caro, 2007; Butrica et al., 2009; Shandra, 2017). The extensive physical and emotional health benefits that have been found to be associated with volunteerism for older adults (see Anderson et al., 2014) suggests that the lack of inclusion of older adults with disabilities is a social justice issue worthy of social works' attention. To address the knowledge gaps around the participation of older adults with disabilities, this research explores the experiences of older adults with mobility-limiting disabilities who are engaged in volunteer activities. Using Naturalistic Inquiry (Lincoln & Guba, 1985), in-depth interviews were conducted with 20 older adults (aged 55-80) who had aged with a disability, acquired a disability in midlife, or developed a disability in later life. Participants in this study self-identified as having significant mobility limitations defined as serious difficulty walking or climbing stairs, and had volunteered with one or more organizations. The constant comparative method of analysis was used to identify themes from the data. The thematic findings convey participants’ discussions of the challenges but also the benefits and enjoyment that volunteer participation can bring. Seven themes were identified from participants’ discussions: Disability Across the Life Course, Meaningful Engagement, Environmental Barriers and Facilitators, Individual Facilitators and Barriers, Organizational Facilitation, Costs of Participation, and Benefits of Meaningful Participation. An additional overarching theme, Importance of Meaningful Participation illustrates how all of the themes are connected. These findings provide an important first step in developing a deeper understanding of volunteerism among older adults with disabilities. This knowledge can help us to better identify opportunities and approaches to increase the chances that older adults with disabilities who are interested in volunteering, will be able to do so. Implications of these findings for social work education, policy, and research are discussed as well as limitations of the study.