The goal of this comprehensive volume is to encourage volunteerism among retired and older people, for their own good and for the good of society. To this end, it documents the physical and psychosocial benefits, and the personal rewards, that derive from a productive volunteer experience. The book also discusses volunteerism in the context of changing concepts of aging and retirement in America, and presents an extensive listing of up-to-date opportunities for prospective volunteers, bringing the idea of volunteer work into the 21st century. Three appendices provide both hard data on the ways people volunteer in America today and specific guidance on learning how to use the Internet in volunteering—including a useful glossary of Internet terms. A list of sources cited, in print and on the Internet, and an index complete the work.

From helping an elderly neighbor to comforting people in their last days, there are many ways to volunteer for the elderly. Some people lead activities at assisted living places or nursing homes, while others simply sit and chat with residents. Volunteering for the Elderly examines different volunteer opportunities and how to get involved.

Explains service learning, gives examples of service-learning programs that help senior citizens, and describes the benefits received by both senior citizens and volunteers.

This bibliography is a current source of information for researchers, practitioners, and planners interested in the older volunteer. The authors conducted an extensive search of material on the older volunteer, with emphasis on those works published between 1980 and 1991. After identifying approximately 700 sources, the authors selected nearly 400 for inclusion in this reference. The entries are grouped in seven topical chapters, and each entry includes a succinct annotation. Included are entries for books and articles on particular programs, characteristics of older volunteers, sources of statistical information, empirical research, and special population groups. Author and subject indexes conclude the work.