Racial Differences in Volunteer Engagement by Older Adults: An Empowerment Perspective

Volunteering is viewed as an empowerment process whereby older adults actively participate in the community and improve their well-being and health. Yet little is known about racial differences in volunteering, and even less in terms of perceived benefits from volunteering as a means of empowerment. The present study addresses this research gap by examining the differences in volunteer experience and perceived benefits from volunteering between older black people and white people. Purposive and convenience samples were drawn from the city of Pittsburgh and questionnaires were completed by 180 adults ages 60 and over. Bivariate and multivariate analyses showed that black participants were less likely than their white counterparts to volunteer in formal organizations; however, once engaged, they committed more time and perceived more psychosocial benefits from volunteering. Also volunteering and self-reported health demonstrated a stronger relationship in the black sample than among the white sample. This study suggests that black older adults have more to gain from volunteer engagement and feel empowered through meaningful involvement in the community and improved physical and emotional quality of life.