This study underpins the dynamic co-constitution of role identity and social integration, advancing Active Aging during population aging and grassroots governance modernization. Drawing on an integrated framework of Role Theory and Social Integration Theory, this study adopts qualitative methods (semi-structured interviews, participatory observation, document analysis) to compare technical, service-oriented, and cultural volunteer groups in Guangzhou. Findings reveal older volunteers shift from passive recipients to proactive agents, with reciprocal reinforcement between multifaceted role identity and social integration. Organizational resource strategies (grassroots autonomy, professional collaboration, governance embeddedness) serve as key moderators. The research adds to Active Aging theory by proposing a novel organized mediation paradigm, clarifying institutional influences on identity-integration dynamics and offering practical strategies for mobilizing senior human capital.
Deng Tao (Wed,) studied this question.