ACTIVE AGEING THROUGH VOLUNTEERISM: A REVIEW

Abstract

This article focuses on exploring the nature of volunteerism amongst the elderly in India and its implications for successful ageing. This is examined in the context of the concept of 'active ageing', as propagated by the World Health Organization (WHO).The theoretical underpinnings on ageing are explained to specify ageing individuals as people with the potential to be productive and resourceful. It also reviews the evolution of, and historical trends in, volunteerism and the scope of volunteering among older adults as a strategy to promote 'active ageing' and enhance the quality of their lives, and vice versa. The concept of volunteering in its various forms and expressions are looked at. In addition, empirical investigations with regard to the factors that motivate older adults to volunteer, the barriers which prevent them from doing so, and what the benefits of such initiatives are to the individual volunteer and society at large, are studied. Lastly, the article discusses the need for further research on older adult volunteering in India as a strategy to boost active ageing and create an inclusive and egalitarian society.