Voluntarism

Civic engagement is defined as “the process in which individuals are actively participating in the life of their communities through voting, joining community groups, and volunteering”. Even though the concept of civic engagement is overlapping with voluntarism, civic engagement is more focused on formal volunteering at the community level. Volunteerism has beneficial effects on the development and unity of rural communities. A case study of a volunteer program in rural communities demonstrated that volunteering could maintain communities through promoting close relationships among community members, keeping older adults engaged in social activities, promoting mutual understanding, easing loneliness, and providing accessible assistance to rural older adults. To make full use of scarce resources in rural communities, volunteer organizations need to conduct careful assessments of available resources and needs for engagement with various activities among rural older adults. The opportunities for meaningful engagement in voluntarism and civic services should be created and provided for older adults from diverse groups.