Characteristics of the Volunteer Environment and Their Associations With Well‐Being in Older Adulthood

ISSUE ADDRESSED: Although volunteering has been linked to well-being, little is known about the mechanisms underpinning these associations. This study sought to understand the conditions under which benefits occur for older adults who volunteer. METHODS: A community-based sample of 458 participants was recruited for this cross-sectional survey through online study advertisements via social media, email and newsletters. The primary predictor variables were the 21 domains of Work Design Characteristics, and the secondary predictor was Physical Functioning. Outcomes included the Scale of Positive and Negative Experiences, the Satisfaction with Life Scale and the Flourishing Scale. RESULTS: Findings showed social support and favourable work conditions were associated with higher life satisfaction and psychological flourishing, while interactions outside the organization were linked to negative affect. Task characteristics (e.g., variety of tasks) and knowledge characteristics (e.g., skills required) were more strongly associated with higher well-being among volunteers with poorer physical functioning. CONCLUSIONS: This study extends current understanding of the contextual, psychological and subjective factors influencing the relationship between volunteering and well-being in later life. The findings highlight that specific aspects of the volunteer experience are differentially associated with well-being, especially for those with poorer functional health. SO WHAT?: These findings have direct implications for volunteer organizations seeking to design roles that maximize well-being benefits for older adults. Given the rapid ageing of the global population and increasing reliance on volunteer contributions, this research area is essential for informing policies and practices that support older adults' engagement in fulfilling and sustainable volunteer roles.