Abstract:

Our aging population can be an important resource for providing Extension youth development programs with service from volunteers who have the essential time & skills. In an investigation of the motives & incentives of 346 older adult volunteers (age 50+) in North Carolina, questionnaire results show achievement, affiliation, & purpose to be the primary motivators. It is suggested that Extension should provide older volunteers with concrete feedback about task-related performance, allow volunteers to use skills they perform well, & assign them challenging volunteer positions. In addition, they should be given opportunities to make a significant contribution to society & help to attain a valued goal or purpose.