Effects of volunteering on self-reported health and depression among middle-age and elderly adults in Taiwan

• Main Authors: Hsiang-YinHuang, 黃向吟
• Other Authors: Susan C. Hu
• Format: Others
• Language: zh-TW
• Published: 2013
• Online Access: http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/12516963459943772101

碩士 === 國立成功大學 === 公共衛生研究所 === 101 === Abstract Background: Literature has indicated that the elderly to participate in social activities can significantly delay their aging and reduce disability. Particularly for the activity of volunteering, the elderly not only can earn health benefits, but also can create social values. However, in the past literature, little research has examined the dynamic changes in the volunteering, and the effects of different types of social participation on depression and self-reported health in elderly. Objectives: The purposes of the study are to examine the effects of three different levels of social participation (including volunteering, participation in group activities only, and no participation), and the duration of such participation on depression and self-reported health in middle-aged and elderly adults in Taiwan. Methods: This study used the dataset of national representative samples from Taiwan Longitudinal Study of Aging, and analyzed four waves of survey, including 1996, 1999, 2003, 2007. Also, this study used the statistical methods of hierarchical linear modeling (HLM) to analyze the long-term repeated measured data. Results: For those who participate in any social activities (such as, volunteering or group activities), their depression score are significantly lower than non-participants, no matter in the beginning or at the follow-ups. However, if the person stops social participation later, the depression score will gradually increase. Similarly, if they start to participate in social activities later, their depression symptoms will decrease. Different types of social participation have different health benefits. For those who merely participate in group activities, only depression score but not self-rated health can be improved. However, for those who participate in volunteering, both depression score and self-rated health are significantly improved. Discussion: Most people participate in volunteering are also participate in group activities. Therefore, they can get more social support and social resources. Also, through helping others, volunteering can enhance the level of health and increase self-recognition. Future policies are advised to encourage the middle-aged and the elderly to participate in more volunteering, in order to reach the goal of healthy and active aging.