A1 Refereed original research article in a scientific journal

Who are 'Multi-Helpers'? Profile of Older Adults Engaging in Multiple Help-Giving Activities




AuthorsHämäläinen Hans, Tanskanen Antti O, Danielsbacka Mirkka

PublisherSpringer

Publication year2023

JournalJournal of population ageing

Journal name in sourceJOURNAL OF POPULATION AGEING

Journal acronymJ POPUL AGEING

Number of pages19

ISSN1874-7884

eISSN1874-7876

DOIhttps://doi.org/10.1007/s12062-023-09415-8

Web address https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12062-023-09415-8

Self-archived copy’s web addresshttps://research.utu.fi/converis/portal/detail/Publication/179241055


Abstract

This study considers older adults providing multiple types of support toward different parties in both public and private domains, referred to as 'multi-helpers'. Although individuals involved in multiple help-giving activities can be important actors at individual, community, and societal levels, few studies have evaluated their characteristics. Using population-based data for older Finns (n = 2,174) we explored the profiles of multi-helpers for provision of: (1) instrumental help to friends and relatives; (2) financial aid to friends and relatives; (3) volunteering; and (4) charitable giving. Of the respondents, 75% provided instrumental help, 44% provided financial aid, 21% participated in volunteering, and 58% made charitable donations. Overall, 7% were considered multi-helpers, as they were engaged in providing all four types of support. Having a partner, being a widow, having a higher level of education, living in rural area, being religious, and having a larger number of friends increased the probability of being a multi-helper. The findings are interpreted in light of opportunity structures and role extension approaches.


Downloadable publication

This is an electronic reprint of the original article.
This reprint may differ from the original in pagination and typographic detail. Please cite the original version.





Last updated on 2024-26-11 at 22:21