The Effects of Widowhood on Volunteerism

1. Research Proposal PAD 689 Research Methods in Public Administration Presented by: Herbert Schmidt The Effects of Widowhood on Volunteerism

2. Introduction 1 • Volunteerism flourishes in the United States. • Society must know and understand the dynamics. • The largest retirement in history caused by the Baby Boomers. • How Does Widowhood Affect Volunteerism in Baby-Boomers? • There will be an expected growth in the number of widows and widowers.

3. Introduction 2 • The ramifications of this population shift have been studied very little. • Relationship of non-profit organizations. • The Baby-Boomer population may be similar to previous generations. • Research must continue with each generation in order to stay current to the needs of the populations.

4. Summary of Literature 1 • Volunteerism a major source of labor in the United States • 30-year high, Baby Boomers (ages 45 to 64)highest mid-life volunteer rate in years • Older adults (ages 65 and older) has increased 64 percent since 1974 • One in every five Americans 38 million volunteers, about 20.4% • 15.3% are widowed • 16.9% aged 65 and older • In 2003, 27.6% of the population is volunteering representing 59 million people. • Changes in marriage and childbearing behavior may have increased opportunities to recruit mid-life adults

5. Summary of Literature 2 Changes in Volunteerism • Parents are distracted by children and family commitments, will engage is school-related groups • Teens are becoming involved in volunteerism, need to fulfill community service requirements • People in early years of retirement are more inclined to volunteer because of the newly found free time. This spike in volunteerism then declines until the end of life. • It is understood that humans slow down toward extreme old age.

6. Summary of Literature 3 Widowhood • Plays a large role in someone’s decision to stay or become an active volunteer • Eliminates a major source of spousal support • Most likely a major trigger provoking an increase in social activities and volunteer participation • Volunteerism mostly focused on informal social participation as opposed to formal social participation • Increases their needs for sources of other social support but will not change their volunteer activities. • Supports the continuation of volunteerism to maintain a level of normalcy • Alack of substantial evidence available about leisure involvement changes resulting from the death of a spouse. • Results showed that widows reduced their involvement. • Well-being is the lead factor in influencing the increase of leisure.

7. Research Design • Examining the relationships of widowhood on volunteerism within the Baby-Boomer population. • The Baby-Boomers comprise the largest generation in American history. In the midst of retirement. • Understanding how this generation will respond to certain obstacles will allow society to better serve and engage. • Sample groups: • Over 50 Magazine- A source for active adults in their mature years. • Fraternal Unions- These are organizations who provide financial resources for retirement as well as life insurance. • Leisure Organizations- These include cultural clubs, car clubs, social clubs, service clubs, sports clubs, etc. • Retirement Communities- These include assisted living and full service facilities. • Labor Unions- These include individuals from each career associated with the Union.

8. Hypothesis • True experimental research design: • Independent Variable Widowhood • Dependent Variable Volunteerism • Hypothesis is that becoming a widow or widower will reduce the likelihood that a volunteer will engage in activity. • Caused by a person’s inability to recover from the traumatic effects of the loss of a loved one • Inability to find continued self satisfaction in volunteer pursuits

9. Data Collection • Indicators • Number of volunteer hours before and after the loss of a partner. • The primary tools for data collection • Random samples within the study groups stated previously will be used to develop a true sampling of the population. • Basic Surveys to determine the types of activities engaged in before and after the loss. • Secondary data will be used and collected from the participating agencies.

10. Data Analysis Data Analysis will occur thorough the tabulation of the results based upon the following table.

11. Implications & Limitations • If support hypothesis is found it will support a need to further understand why widows and widowers reduce their volunteerism. • Better support and service • Important in order to get the most out of this valuable volunteer resource. • The research will not be addressing the why in regards to why recently widowed volunteers reduce their volunteering. • Short comings • Baby-Boomer population is only just starting to enter retirement • The scope of this research, Limited to Western New York • The surveys are mostly based upon voluntary feedback.

12. Thank You! • Further questions may be directed to: Herbert Schmidt PAD 689 Research Methods in Public Administration