Active Engagement in Retirement: Factors That Influence the Participation of Older People in Community Volunteering

Although older adults participating in volunteering promotes "active ageing" and reduces social service burden, not many retied people in China participate in volunteering. Utilizing data from semi-structured interviews with 15 retired individuals in Beijing, this research explores the factors influencing their involvement in community volunteer services. Informed by resource theory and social ecological system theory, a hybrid three-level social ecological systems model is developed following thematic analysis. At the micro-level, foundational factors for volunteering are their human capital, including good health status, ample free time, and satisfaction with pensions. At the meso-level, social capital from family and peers provides essential information and support, while a cohesive community environment fostered through community and volunteer management enhances the willingness to volunteer. At the macro-level, CPC ideologies and governmental policies nurture a culture of volunteerism that facilitates community involvement. The study also investigates interactions across these levels: the microsystem and mesosystem mutually enhance human and social capital, whereas the macrosystem and mesosystem reflect the reciprocal influence of cultural on social capital. Recommendations are offered to increase retired people's participation in community volunteering, emphasizing community management and governmental policy adjustments.