The importance of meaningful participation: health benefits of volunteerism for older adults with mobility-limiting disabilities

• DOI: 10.1017/s0144686x21000842
• Publication Date: 2021-07-08T09:36:32Z
• Authors: Alicia M. Sellon
• Keywords: Promotion (chess); Limiting

Abstract Volunteerism has been increasingly recognised as a health promotion activity for older adults. However, volunteerism largely the domain of those who are in good with few to no physical limitations, and there is limited information about experiences adults disabilities. This study explores why mobility-limiting disabilities engage volunteer work their perceptions personal benefits volunteering. Twenty adults, from three Midwest towns United States America, participated semi-structured, in-depth, face-to-face interviews. Participants this identified having serious difficulty walking or climbing stairs due condition had volunteered last year. were selected purposively maximum variation terms type disability/impairment, race, gender age. The constant comparative method analysis was used identify themes discussions. When asked they volunteering, participants discussed seeking out activities that meaningful them both altruistic more self-directed reasons. They number emotional saw directly indirectly related being able participate these activities. Findings suggest that, interested activities, can be beneficial potential mechanism increasing opportunities inclusion participation communities.