Well-being in middle-aged and older adults who volunteer: a qualitative network analysis.

Objective: Social participation is essential for the health of older adults. Formal volunteering can reduce loneliness and is associated with numerous positive health outcomes. Older adults have limited resources to meet their social and well-being needs. We explore factors contributing to the well-being of middle-aged and older adults who engage in formal volunteering using a qualitative social network approach.

Methods: Between 2022 and 2023, qualitative semi-structured interviews were conducted with 28 members of social clubs in Germany, aged 45-80 (mean age 62 years). Thirteen participants were retired. Eight interviewees were female and twenty were male. Participants created unstructured egocentric network maps of individuals or organisations important to their well-being. Participants reflected on their social networks using these maps, which allowed for deeper insights into changing network dynamics. The data were analysed using thematic analysis.

Results: We developed six themes: intrapersonal, interpersonal and social network characteristics affecting well-being, self-fulfilment, feeling indispensable and unfulfilled expectations. Formal social participation, particularly through volunteering, contributed significantly to the well-being.

Conclusion: Formal volunteering can aid successful role substitution and compensation, especially after retirement. This may prevent loneliness and increase well-being in older age.