Social organizations and aging: The benefits of VFW membership

Abstract

Civic engagement in social organizations is a way to gain social capital, which benefits communities and people. By volunteering in organizations, older adults can improve well-being for themselves and their communities. The goal of this research is to understand peoples' active participation in social organizations as they get older. Twenty active participants of a Veterans of Foreign Wars Post and its Women's Auxiliary were interviewed. Analyzing the data qualitatively, several themes emerged. Members' mental health and well-being is enhanced, and people develop role models to guide them through the aging process. Being in a safe and secure environment, members develop a sense of camaraderie and purpose, and the organization provides members a source of social engagement. Finally, conflict plays a role in the history and future of the organization. Governments and existing institutions should provide incentives and resources for people to become involved through volunteering and being active in organizations.