Age-related Predictors of Volunteer Retention

Abstract

The volunteer as a community dweller implies participation in varied activities depending on one’s different background of life environment. Therefore, it is considered that the differences in life cycles lead to different factors contributing to continuation of voluntary activities. This study examines demographic variables, motivational variables, and attitudinal variables to determine their significance in explaining variability in volunteering duration, based on a sample of 287 consistent volunteers, separated in three age-related groups: older volunteers, middle volunteers, and young volunteers. The findings of multiple regression analyses indicate that different variables within these age-related groups are significantly associated with the volunteering duration. People participate and continue to volunteer activities because they expect the various needs of their community life to be fulfilled.