Do matching skill sets matter? Exploring the relationship between motivation, satisfaction, and role identification in the context of older adults' volunteering

Abstract

This study investigates whether deliberate “matching” of older volunteers with agencies, based on their skill sets and organizational needs, leads to increased volunteer satisfaction, commitment, and role identity compared to placements made without such considerations. Utilizing data from the Center for Excellence in Aging Services and Community Wellness (CEASCW) in 2019, a subset of 140 older adult volunteers from upstate New York was analyzed. Various statistical methods, including frequency analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, correlation analysis, and structural equation modeling, were employed using SPSS 26.0 and AMOS 23.0. This research introduces the concept of a prolonged transition into retirement and explores how aligning skill sets with specific volunteer opportunities can better cater to the needs of older adults, resulting not only in increased satisfaction but also in a more stable role identity and ultimately a heightened sense of well-being during later life transitions.