LE3 .A278 2015

2015

Sweatman, Mary

Acadia University

Bachelor of Recreation Management

Honours

Recreation Management

Kinesiology

This study is an initial attempt to investigate the relationship of the benefits and barriers for baby boomers volunteering in hospital settings, and the link to various aspects of wellness. Baby boomers are a large demographic in Canada, bringing their role in the volunteer sector to light as more set to retire. As retirement for this generation has already begun, and more is soon to follow, hospitals in Canada will be forced to structure programs in a way that caters to this demographic. The subjects of this study were selected because they were baby boomers at one of two large, suburban hospitals in Ontario’s Greater Toronto Area. Interviews were conducted using a semi-structured format, which allowed the participants to share their stories and experiences. The interviews were recorded on audiotape and transcribed. The stories of participants demonstrated a connection between the positive work they were doing, and their personal mental health/wellness, a spiritual meaning to their work, as well as the values of social capital. The results did not support extensive findings for participation barriers; as only current volunteers were those interviewed. Key findings were that volunteering is a benefit for four distinct areas of wellness; physical, social, psychological, and spiritual.

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https://scholar.acadiau.ca/islandora/object/theses:1177