The Experience of Senior Citizen Volunteers in Intergenerational Programs in Schools and the Relationship to Their Life Satisfaction. Final Report.

A study was undertaken to describe the experience of older volunteers in intergenerational programs in schools and to investigate the relationship between these volunteers' experience and life satisfaction. A cross-sectional design was used to analyze data collected from 350 senior citizen volunteers from three different sites. Data were collected using a personal data form, a questionnaire, a standardized life satisfaction index (LSIZ), and a semi-structured interview. Findings from the LSIZ indicated no significant difference between the life satisfaction scores of new and experienced volunteers. Findings from questionnaires and interviews strongly supported the hypothesis that school volunteering contributes positively to the life satisfaction of the elderly. Given these responses, it is believed that efforts should be made to maintain and develop effective older volunteer programs and that to become effective, programs should involve staff that are sensitive to the needs of older volunteers. (LP)