The contribution of charity shop volunteering to a positive experience of ageing. Issue 4 (2nd October 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Jones, Rosie; Reynolds, Frances
• Is Part Of: Journal of occupational science. Volume 26:Issue 4(2019)
• Page Start: 524
• Page End: 536
• Publication Date: 2019-10-02
• Subjects: Occupational science -- Transition -- Charity shop -- Volunteer -- Ageing -- Human agency -- Occupational justice; Work -- Periodicals; Occupations -- Sociological aspects -- Periodicals; Occupational therapy -- Periodicals; 306.3605
• DOI: 10.1080/14427591.2019.1592697
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1442-7591

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Introduction: This study aimed to provide insight into the occupation of charity shop volunteering in the UK and its perceived relationship with health and well-being among volunteers in their 60s. Method: Six in-depth interviews were carried out with volunteers aged 60 to 69 years. Interpretative phenomenological analysis was used to develop themes representing the participants' reflections on their experiences of volunteering. Findings: Charity shop volunteering was found to contribute to a positive perception of ageing in the context of challenging experiences of transition, such as bereavement and the cessation of work, by providing purpose, structure, agency and belonging, depending on the level of autonomy the participants associated with their volunteer role. Conclusion: Charity shop volunteering can support positive ageing experiences by providing access to valued psychological and social resources for coping with transitions. The relevance of autonomy to this benefit introduces a potential issue of occupational justice, indicating a new area for future volunteering research to define and promote occupational justice among ageing populations.