Benefits of volunteering on resilience with aging: a case study

As the study of volunteering among older adults continues to evolve, questions related to the benefits of volunteering are of growing interest. Volunteering may create opportunities to develop resilience in older adults as it can serve as a coping strategy. This case study explored the perceived benefits of volunteering on resilience and various dimensions related to aging among elderly volunteer dancers. In this qualitative study, 13 volunteer performers of Korean traditional dance were recruited for in-depth interviews. The analysis of the transcripts generated five themes related to the benefits of volunteering that were unique to older volunteers: (1) finding a sense of self-worth through serving others, (2) finding a sense of purpose, (3) experiencing gratitude, (4) renewing a younger self, and (5) building companionship. The findings revealed that regular volunteering promoted the experience of resilience in the face of the challenges associated with aging.