CIVIC ENGAGEMENT
AMONG MID-LIFE AND OLDER ADULTS
Findings from the 2012 Survey on Civic Engagement
Research and Strategic Analysis
Integrated Value and Strategy
December 2012
About AARP
AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, with a membership of more than 37
million, that helps people 50+ have independence, choice and control in ways that are
beneficial to them and society as a whole.
whole AARP does not endorse candidates for
public office or make contributions to either political campaigns or candidates. We
produce AARP The Magazine, the definitive voice for Americans 50+ and the world's
largest-circulation magazine; AARP Bulletin, the go-to news source for the 50+
audience; www.aarp.org; AARP VIVA, a bilingual lifestyle multimedia platform
addressing the interests and needs of Hispanic Americans; and national television and
radio programming including My Generation and Inside E Street. The AARP
Foundation is an affiliated charity that provides security
security, protection
protection, and
empowerment to older persons in need with support from thousands of volunteers,
donors, and sponsors. AARP has staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of
Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Learn more at www.aarp.org.
2
Goals for this Study
y
 Understand how mid-life and older adults (age 45+)
are connecting with and contributing to their
communities.
 Identify generational and other factors that influence
civic engagement.
mid-life
life and
 Examine how civic engagement among mid
older adults has changed over time.
3
Methodology
Data Collected:
 Telephone Survey; Module from June 2012 AARP Integrated
T acking Survey
Tracking
S e
Sample:
• Random sample of 1,500
1 500 adults 45+ (including 1,000
1 000 AARP
members)
• Oversample of 500 Generation X members
Trend Comparisons (from three prior AARP studies):
• 1997 study of civic engagement (“Maintaining America’s Social
Fabric: A Status Report of Civic Involvement”
• 2003 study on volunteering & donating (“Time and Money: An Indepth Look at 45+ Volunteers and Donors”)
• 2009 study on civic engagement (“Connecting
( Connecting and Giving: A Report
on How Mid-life and Older Americans Spend Their Time, Make Connections and
Build Communities”)
4
Facets of Civic Engagement Examined in
this Study
 Social Involvement ((i.e.,, level of involvement in 9 social
activities)
 Group Membership (i.e., the number of groups/organizations they
belong to)
 Community Involvement (Involvement in 11 community and
civic activities)
 Frequency of Voting (in presidential and local elections)
 Activities and Hours Spent Volunteering (through
organizations and on their own)
 Donating to Charitable or Religious Causes
5
Summary of Key Findings
•
Voting is the top civic engagement activity among mid-life and older
adults. Other forms of civic engagement occur at low to moderate
levels. (Page 49)
•
However, from 2009 to 2012, voting declined across all age groups
except 45-49. (Page 25)
•
Although Generation X typically votes less frequently than members of
other generations, they were much more involved in political activities in
2012. This is likely a result of their generally independent views and the
d
deeply
l bifurcated
bf
d political
l
l environment in 2012. (Page 12)
•
Civic engagement has declined
economic downturn in 2008.
2008
•
Education level, household income, and perceptions of influence are key
predictors of civic engagement. (Pages 46-47)
(Page 49)—likely
influenced, in part, by the
6
Summary of Key Findings (Cont’d)
•
Social involvement, although moderate, is largely personal—centers
around hobbies/leisure, entertaining friends, and spiritual activities.
(Page 9)
•
Community involvement is low; focused mostly on own
neighborhood/community. (Page 19)
•
Organizational memberships have declined; but religious group
memberships remain of greatest appeal to mid-life and older adults.
(Page 14)
•
Volunteering has increased slightly; but the hours spent volunteering
remains unchanged. (Pages 28, 36)
•
Having an impact is a strong motivator for volunteering, with more and
more older
ld adults
d l serving both
b h through
h
h organizations and
d on their
h
own. (Pages 35, 29)
•
Charitable giving
g
g has declined slightly;
g y; but still is a common
occurrence. (Page 38)
7
Social Involvement
For mid
mid-life
life and older adults
adults, most social
involvement is personal
Compared to 1997*
Hobbies/Leisure time Pursuits
36%
Entertaining/Visiting Friends
28%
Religious/Spiritual Activities
Religious/Spiritual Activities
76%
40%
75%
46%
34%
62%
28%
Sports/Fitness Activities
22%
33%
56%
Volunteer Work
24%
30%
54%
Neighborhood Issues
10%
Education/Taking Classes
11%
Politics
8%
State/National Issues 5%
33%
17%
21%
17%
43%
(+5)
(+3)
29%
28%
21%
very Involved
((‐9)
9)
(+4)
somewhat involved
**NOTE: Statically significant difference from 1997 Question: I am going to read a list of types of activities that people get involved in, and for each one I'd like you to tell me whether you feel that you are very involved, somewhat involved, or not really involved in that activity these days.
9
Slight
g decline in social involvement—
but rebounding
• Based on the level of
involvement in 9
activities:
Entertaining/visiting friends
Sports/fitness
Hobbies/leisure pursuits
Religious/spiritual
Politics
Neighborhood Issues
Education/Taking
g classes
State/national issues
Volunteer work
• Scoring:
• Very Involved =2
• Somewhat Involved=1
• Range: 0 – 18
• High Score: 9+
18
16
Average Involvem
ment Score
e
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Social Involvement, by Year
14
12
10
8
6.9
6
5.8
6.2
2009
2012
4
2
0
1997
10
Social Involvement declines with
each
h generation;
ti
slight
li ht decrease
d
also
l
among Boomers
Social Involvement,
by Generation
Social Involvement
Among Boomers, by Year
18
18
16
[High Score = 9+]
14
12
10
8
6
7.0
6.3
5.8
5.0
4
Avverage Involvement Score
Avverage Involvem
ment Score
16
12
10
8
6.1
6.3
2009
(age 45-63)
2012
(age 48-66)
4
2
0
0
Greatest
(age 84+)
6.8
6
2
Gen X
Boomer
Silent
(age 31-47) (age 48-66) (age 67-83)
[High Score = 9+]
14
1997
(age 33-51)
11
There is little difference in social
involvement activities across the
generations
Percentage Who are Very Involved Socially, by Generation
Gen X (age 31‐47)
Boomer
(age 48‐66)
Silent
(age 67‐83)
Greatest
(age 84+)
Hobbies/Leisure
(38%)
Hobbies/Leisure
(39%)
Religious/Spiritual
(37%)
Religious/Spiritual
(30%)
Religious/Spiritual
(36%)
Religious/Spiritual
(31%)
Entertaining/Visiting
(34%)
Volunteer Work
(24%)
Political
(29%)
Entertaining/Visiting
(30%)
Hobbies/Leisure
(30%)
Hobbies/Leisure
(22%)
Sports/Fitness
(23%)
Volunteer Work
(22%)
Volunteer Work
(23%)
Entertaining/Visiting
(18%)
Entertaining/Visiting
(23%)
Sports/Fitness
(22%)
Sports/Fitness
(19%)
Sports/Fitness
(15%)
12
Group Membership
Only
y religious
g
organizations
g
have memberships
p
with a majority of mid-life and older adults
Memberships by Group Type
Religious Orgs/Church
Health/Sports/Athletic or Country Clubs
Professional/Trade/Business
Neighborhood/HOAs
Hobby Garden,
Hobby,
Garden Recreation/Computer
Environmental/Animal Protection
Veterans’ Groups
Social Clubs, Fraternities/Sororities
PTA/PTO/School Support
Health or Disease-Fighting
Literary, Art, or Cultural
Labor Unions
Clubs/Organizations for Older People
Political Clubs or Committees/PACS
Social Service Orgs
Fraternal Groups (e.g., Rotary, Elks)
Ethnic, Nationality or Civil Rights
Farm Orgs
Other Civic or Community Orgs
Scouts or Other Youth Orgs
Support, Self-Help, 12-Step
Compared to 1997*
59%
(‐11)
23%
22%
(+3)
19%
(‐3)
16%
13%
11%
(‐7)
11%
11%
( 5)
(‐5)
11%
10%
10%
10%
(‐9)
10%
6%
(‐3)
6%
(‐7)
6%
5%
5%
5%
* Note: Only statistically significant differences from 1997 are shown.
4%
Question: I'm going to read a list of types of organizations and for each one I'd like to know if you have been a
member of any such group during the past twelve months.
14
Decline in number of g
group
p types
yp and
total memberships—but also rebounding
(regardless of type).
• Score range: 0+
• High Score: 5+
Average
g Group
p Memberships,
p ,
by Year
10
9
Average Num
A
mber Belongin
ng
• Based on the total
number of groups
and/or
organizations that
the person
belongs to
8
7
6
5
4
3
42
4.2
3.3
2.4 2.7
3.1
3.7
1997
2009
2012
2
1
0
No. of Group Types
Total Group Memberships p
(Regardless of Type)
15
Group
p membership
p is g
greatest among
g
Generation X; least among the Greatest
Generation
Total Number of Memberships, by Generation
Avera
age Number B
Belonging
10
9
8
[High Score = 5+]
7
6
5
4.9
3.8
4
3.8
2.8
3
2
1
0
G
ti
X
Generation
(age 31-47)
B
b B
Baby
Boomer
(age 48-66)
Sil t Generation
G
ti
Silent
(age 67-83)
G
t t
Greatest
Generation
(age 84+)
16
Generational differences in total group
membership is largely a function of one’s
life-stage
Top 5 Memberships, by Generation
Gen X (age 31‐47)
Boomer
(age 48‐66)
Silent
(age 67‐83)
Greatest
(age 84+)
Religious
(54%)
Religious
(60%)
Religious
(63%)
Religious
(62%)
Professional/Trade/
Business (34%)
Professional/Trade/
Business (24%)
Health Club
(22%)
Neighborhood/HOA
(19%)
PTA
(31%)
Health Club
(23%)
Neighborhood/HOA
(19%)
Social/Greek
(11%)
Health club
(31%)
Hobby/Garden/
Computer (20%)
Orgs for Older
People (19%)
Literary/Art
(10%)
Neighborhood/HOA
(21%)
Neighborhood/HOA
(18%)
Veteran’s Groups
(16%)
Health Club
(9%)
17
Community
y Involvement
Mid-life and older adults are most
involved in local community activities
Att d d religious-sponsored
Attended
li i
d community
it activity
ti it
43% (‐3)
Worked with others to fix community problem
36%
Attended local neighborhood assn./community meeting
31%
Contacted elected official to make views known
31%
Contributed money to political candidate or party
22%
Attended a local govt. or school board meeting
21%
Participated in political event or town meeting
20%
Wrote Letter to editor/called TV or radio to express opinion
15%
Used social media to express a political opinion
15%
Volunteered w/group to influence government
14%
Took part in a demonstration or protest
Compared to 1997*
5%
(+4)
* Note: Only statistically significant differences from 1997 are shown.
Question: Have you done any of the following in the last 12 months; that is since last June?
19
Community involvement is highest
among Generation X; lowest among the
Greatest Generation
Community Involvement Activities,
By Generation
• Based on involvement
in 11 civic activities,
e.g.:
• Score range: 0 – 11
• High Score: 5+
Averrage Number of Activities
• Att
Attending
di churchh h
sponsored community
activities
• Taking part in protests or
demonstrations
• Contributing
C
money to
political candidates/parties
• Attending community/HOA
meetings
g social media to
• Using
express political opinions
• Volunteering with group to
influence government
8
[High Score = 5+]
6
4
2.5
2
2.7
2.4
2.5
1.8
0
Overall
Generation
Baby
Silent
Greatest
X
Boomer
Generation Generation
(age 31-47) (age 48-66) ( age 67-83) (age 84+)
20
There are some g
generational differences
in community involvement
Top
p 5 Community
y Involvement Activities,, by
y Generation
Gen X (age 31‐47)
Boomer
(age 48‐66)
Silent
(age 67‐83)
Greatest
(age 84+)
Attend Relig-Spons
Comm Activity (50%)
Attend Relig-Spons
Comm Activity (43%)
Attend Relig-Spons
Comm Activity (43%)
Attend Relig-Spons
Comm Activity (34%)
Worked to Fix
Neighborhood/
Comm Problems
Co
ob e s (36%)
Worked to Fix
Neighborhood/
Comm Problems
Co
ob e s (36%)
Contributed Money to
Pol. Candidate/ Party
(33%)
Worked to Fix
Neighborhood/
Comm Problems
Co
ob e s (30%)
Attend Local Gov’t/
School Board Meeting
(34%)
Contacted Public Official
(31%)
Worked to Fix
Neighborhood/
Comm Problems (33%)
Attend Neighborhood/
HOA Meeting (23%)
Contacted Public Official
(30%)
Attend Neighborhood/
HOA Meeting (30%)
Attend Neighborhood/
HOA Meeting (31%)
Contributed Money to
Pol. Candidate/Party
(21%)
Attend
Neighborhood/HOA
Meeting (26%)
Attend Local
Gov’t/School Board
Meeting (22%)
Contacted Public
Official (29%)
Contacted Public
Official (20%)
21
Frequency
q
y of Voting
g
(Presidential and Local Elections)
Percentag
ge of Respon
ndents
Mid-life and older adults are frequent
q
voters, with a majority saying they always
vote in p
presidential and local elections
Voting Frequency
100%
80%
60%
76%
Presidential
Local
56%
40%
20%
25%
7%
3%
5% 8%
9% 10%
0%
Always vote Usually vote/ Vote half the
Only
Sometimes
time
occasionally/
miss one
Rarely vote
Never vote
Question: How often would you say you vote in elections for the President? Do you always vote in elections for the President, usually vote in them, vote about half the time, only occasionally vote, or never vote in them? Question: Do you always vote in local elections, do you sometimes miss one, do you rarely vote, or do you never vote in local elections? 23
Si
Since
1997
1997, voting
ti has
h slightly
li htl declined
d li d
Voting Frequency
Frequency, by Year
Presidential
Percentaage Saying The
ey Always Votte
100%
81%
61%
60%
Local
76%
80%
58%
56%
40%
20%
0%
1997
2009
2012
24
From 2009 to 2012, the frequency of voting
declined most among voters age 60-69
Voting in Presidential Elections,
by Age Group and Year
Voting in Local Elections, by Age
Group and Year
100%
87%
90%
80%
78%
74%
80%
76%
70%
83%
81%
71%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
45‐49
50‐59
2009
60‐69
2012
70+
Percentage Saying Th
hey Always Vote
Percentaage Saying Th
hey Always Vo
ote
100%
90%
80%
70%
60%
50%
66%
60%
55% 59% 56%
53%
50% 52%
47%
74%
65%
63%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
45‐49
1997
50‐59
2009
60‐69
70+
2012
25
Voting frequency is highest among
the Silent Generation; and lowest among
Generation X
Percen
ntage Saying TThey Always V
Vote
Voting Frequency
Frequency, by Generation
100%
80%
62%
65%
52%
60%
40%
73%
83%
80%
Presidential
Local
61%
33%
20%
0%
GenX
(age 31-47)
31 47)
Boomers
(age 48-66)
48 66)
Silent
(age 67-83)
67 83)
Greatest
(age 84+)
26
Volunteering
(Formally and Informally)
Formal and informal volunteering has
increased since 2003
Overall
Through an Org
On Own
Percentage o
P
of Respondents
100%
80%
69%
62%
60%
76%
51%
51%
57%
60%
60%
34%
40%
20%
0%
2003
2009
2012
Question: In the past 12 months, have you volunteered, that is given your time or skills, for a nonprofit organization
a charity school hospital religious organization neighborhood association civic or any other
organization, a charity, school, hospital, religious organization, neighborhood association, civic or any other group? Question: Now, aside from an organized group, in the last 12 months have you volunteered your time on your own and without pay to help your community or someone in need who is not a member of your family?
28
Mid-life and older adults are more often
volunteering both through organizations
y solely
y
and on their own than either way
Volunteer Rates, by Type
Through an Org & On Own
On Own Only
Percen
ntage of Res
spondents
100%
Through an Org Only
80%
60%
23%
40%
20%
39%
44%
11%
28%
0%
2003
18%
16%
12%
15%
2009
2012
29
Volunteering
g declines with each older
Generation
Volunteering Rates, by Age Generation
Percentage o
of Respondentts
100%
Through an Org & On Own
80%
On Own Only
60%
55%
45%
Through an Org Only
39%
40%
20%
0%
30%
15%
17%
17%
15%
14%
16%
16%
13%
GenX
(age
( g 31-47))
Boomers
(age
( g 48-66))
Silent
(age
( g 67-83))
Greatest
(age
( g 84+))
30
Mid-life and older adults volunteer most
often through religious organizations
Religious
g
org.
g
Social and community service group
Children's ed, sports, or rec group
Civic org.
Some other type
yp of org.
g
Hospital, clinic, or healthcare org.
Health research or health ed org.
Other educational group
Cultural or arts org.
g
Environmental or animal care org.
Sports or hobby group
Youth services group
g
Public safetyy org.
Labor union, business, professional org.
Political party or advocacy group
International org.
Immigrant/refugee
g
/
g assistance
38%
15%
13%
4%
4%
4%
4%
3%
2%
2%
2%
2%
1%
1%
1%
0%
0%
Question: What type of organization [do you volunteer for]? Source: Current Population Survey: September 2011 Volunteer Supplement. Bureau of Labor Statistics/Bureau of the Census. Washington, DC.
31
Generational
G
ti
l differences
diff
are evident
id t in
i
choice of organizations for volunteering
Top 5 Organizational Choices for Volunteering, by Generation
Gen X (age 31‐47)
Boomer
(age 48‐66)
Silent
(age 67‐83)
Greatest
(age 84+)
Children's Ed., Sports,
or Recreational Group
(30%)
Religious Org.
(37%)
Religious Org.
(45%)
Religious Org.
(37%)
Religious Org.
(28%)
Social & Comm.
Service (18%)
Social & Comm.
Service (24%)
Social & Comm.
Service (12%)
Children's Ed., Sports,
or Recreational Group
(14%)
Social & Comm.
Service (14%)
Other Educational
Group (5%)
Health Research/
Education (4%)
Health Research/
Education (4%)
Other Type of Org.
(4%)
Hospital, Clinic or
Healthcare Org.
(5%)
Civic Org.
(5%)
Children's Ed., Sports,
or Recreational Group
(5%)
Hospital, Clinic or
Healthcare Org.
(11%)
Civic Org.
(7%)
Other Type of Org.
(5%)
Source: Current Population Survey: September 2011 Volunteer Supplement. Bureau of Labor Statistics/Bureau of the Census. Washington, DC.
32
Helping those with food insecurities
and fundraising are top volunteer
activities among mid-life and older adults
Collect, prepare, serve food
Fundraise or sell items to raise money
General labor/Supply transportation
/
Provide professional/mgt assistance
Tutor or teach
Collect clothing/other goods (not food)
Mentor youth
Mentor youth
Usher, greeter, minister
Other type
Provide general office assistance
g
Engage in music/other artistic activities
Provide counseling, medical care, etc.
Coach, referee, supervise sports team
26%
26%
22%
21%
16%
15%
15%
14%
14%
13%
9%
7%
6%
Question: For each activity that I mention, please tell me – yes or no – whether you did that activity for that organization in the last year. Source: Current Population Survey: September 2011 Volunteer Supplement. Bureau of Labor Statistics/Bureau of the Census. Washington, DC.
33
Generational
G
ti
l variations
i ti
are also
l evident
id t
in choice of volunteer activities
Top 5 Volunteer Activities, by Generation
Gen X (age 31‐47)
Boomer
(age 48‐66)
Silent
(age 67‐83)
Greatest
(age 84+)
Fundraise/Sell Items
(29%)
Fundraise/Sell Items
(27%)
Collect, Prepare,
Serve Food
(29%)
Collect, Prepare,
Serve Food
(23%)
Collect, Prepare, Serve
Food
(23%)
Collect, Prepare, Serve
Food
(26%)
Fundraise/Sell Items
(22%)
Other Type
(22%)
General Labor
(21%)
General Labor
(22%)
Provide Professional
Services
(19%)
Collect Clothing/
Other Goods
(19%)
Mentor
M
t Youth
Y th
(20%)
Provide Professional
Services
(21%)
General Labor
(19%)
Fundraise/Sell Items
(16%)
Tutor or Teach
(20%)
Tutor or Teach
(18%)
(
)
Collect Clothing/
Other Goods
(17%)
General Labor
(14%)
(
)
Source: Current Population Survey: September 2011 Volunteer Supplement. Bureau of Labor Statistics/Bureau of the Census. Washington, DC.
34
Top reasons for volunteering center
around having an impact
W off ""giving
Way
i i b
back"
k"
56%
Personal responsibility to help those in need
53%
Helps own neighborhood/community
74%
18%
73%
21%
43%
73%
30%
The organization has good track record
47%
23%
70%
It’s a way to make a difference
46%
23%
70%
Makes own life more satisfying
46%
22%
68%
Use knowledge, skills, experience
37%
29%
Know someone personally affected
40%
25%
Way to keep active
Someone asked personally
Because of religious beliefs
Way to meet/get together with others
34%
64%
61%
18%
29%
Very I
Important
t t
61%
33%
36%
19%
66%
27%
28%
About
IMPACT!
54%
Somewhat Important
48%
35
Although the average monthly hours spent volunteering
(through organizations and on their own) did not change
from 2009, a significant increase was seen among those
volunteering
o u tee g 11 o
or more
o e hours
ou s through
t oug organizations.
o ga at o s
Through Organizations
On Their Own
100%
Perce
entage of Volu
unteers
15%
80%
60%
14%
26%
17%
22%
24%
40%
30%
20%
0%
19%
14%
18%
2009
2012
21+ hours
11‐20 hours
6‐10 hours*
3‐5 hours
2 hours or less
Perce
entage of Volu
unteers
100%
12%
10%
21+ hours
80%
9%
14%
27%
11‐20 hours
60%
26%
6‐10 hours
40%
29%
31%
23%
20%
2009
2012
3‐5 hours*
20%
0%
2 hours or less
*Note: The circled hours are the average monthly hours spent volunteering. 36
Charitable Giving
Despite some decline, mid-life and older
adults continue to donate at high rates
Percen
ntage of Re
espondentss
Charitable Giving, by Year
87%
2003
72%
2009
73%
18%
4%
Money & Property
50%
Money Only
Property Only
2012
Question: During the past 12 months, have you donated money or property to any charitable or religious organizations?
38
Charitable giving is fairly similar
across generations
ti
Percentage of Respondentts
100%
80%
75%
72%
77%
73%
60%
40%
20%
0%
GenX
(age 31-47)
Boomers
(age 48-66)
Silent
(age 67-83)
Greatest
(age 84+)
39
Perceived Influence on
Community
y Problems
Nearly two in three mid
mid-life
life and older
adults feel they have little to no influence
on co
o
community
u ty problems
p ob e s when
e act
acting
g
alone
Percentaage of Respon
ndents
Perceived Amount of Influence as an Individual Acting
Al
Alone,
by
b Y
Year
100%
10%
8%
9%
80%
24%
22%
23%
60%
40%
A lot
Moderate amount
Little or None
60%
67%
65%
Depends
Don't Know
20%
0%
1997
2009
2012
Question: Thinking now about what people can do—apart from government—how much influence do you think someone like you, acting alone, can have on problems that exist in your community? Would you say you have a lot, a moderate amount, a little, or no influence at all? 41
However, ttwo iin th
H
three ffeell th
they h
have a lot
l t
or moderate amount of influence when
j i db
joined
by others
th
Percentagge of Respon
ndents
Perceived Amount of Influence When Joined with Others,
by Year
100%
24%
80%
45%
60%
40%
20%
27%
A lot
Moderate Amount
36%
36%
30%
Little or None
Depends
20%
36%
37%
1997
2009
2012
Don't Know
0%
42
Perceived influence is highest
among Generation X; lowest among the
Silent Generation
A ti
Acting
Alone
Al
J i db
Joined
by Oth
Others
80%
38%
34%
28%
32%
60%
40%
61%
65%
71%
64%
20%
0%
GenX
Boomers
Silent
Greatest
(age 31-47) (age 48-66) (age 67-83) (age 84+)
A little/Not at all
A lot/Moderate Amount
Perce
entage of Re
espondents
Perce
entage of Re
espondents
100%
100%
80%
60%
69%
67%
50%
46%
40%
20%
30%
33%
48%
43%
0%
GenX
Boomers
Silent
Greatest
(age 31-47) (age 48-66) (age 67-83) (age 84+)
A little/Not at all
A lot/Moderate Amount
43
Predictors off Overall
O
Civic Engagement
Midlife and older civic
engagementt iis multi-dimensional
lti di
i
l
Presidential
Voting
Group Group
Membership
Community Involvement
Social Involvement
Local Voting
Charitable Giving
Monthly Hours Spent Volunteering Through Organizations
Monthly Hours Spent Volunteering on One’s Own
NOTE: This graph, based on a correlations analysis, shows how the various facets of civic engagement are related to each other. Only moderate to strong relationships are shown (displayed as arrows). The thicker the 45
arrow, the stronger the correlation is between the facets. Education level, household
income and perceptions of influence are
key predictors of civic engagement
Education Household Level
Income
X
Social Involvement
Group Membership
X
Community Involvement
X
Voting Freq. (Presidential)
X
Voting Freq. (Local)
X
Charitable Giving
X
Perceived Influence
(Alone)
Perceived Influence
(Groups)
X
X
Region
X
X
x (NE)
X
x (NE)
X
46
P di t
Predictors
off Civic
Ci i Engagement
E
t (Cont’d)
(C t’d)
Education Level
Household Income
Perceived Perceived Influence Influence
(Alone)
(Groups)
X*
Volunteering Through Organizations
Volunteer Hours
Volunteer
Hours
(Organizations)
X* ((‐))
X
Volunteer Hours (On Own)
X*(‐)
x
Overall Civic Engagement
Employed
X
X
Volunteering On Own
Region
X
X
X (SE)
X X
*NOTE:
As household income increases, the likelihood of volunteering also increases; but the hours spent volunteering
tend to decrease.
NOTE: As household income increases, the likelihood of volunteering also increases; but the hours spent
volunteering tend to decrease. 47
Summary and Implications
Current State of Civic Engagement
g g
among Mid-life and Older Adults
High
Moderate
Low
100%
Perrcentage of R
Respondentss
90%
26%
80%
56%
70%
60%
32%
76%
20%
23%
15%
24%
14%
56%
64%
18%
49%
50%
40%
25%
30%
20%
10%
10%
14%
19%
Voting in
Presidential
Elections
Voting in
Local
Elections
0%
13%
50%
72%
25%
Social
Group
Community Organizational Volunteer
Involvement Memberships Involvement
Volunteer
Hours Spent
Hours
on Own
Trend:
49
Implications
 With the exception of voting, older adults (age 45+) have low to moderate
levels of civic engagement.
 Civic engagement is influenced by a host of demographic factors; but
education, household income and perceived influence are key predictors–
indicating the important influence of socioeconomic status in civic
engagement.
 Civic engagement declined in 2009; but appears to be rebounding to 1997
levels. The economic downturn which began in late 2008, has likely played
a role in impacting
p
g engagement
g g
levels.
 There is reduced optimism among mid-life and older adults about their
ability to influence change—either while acting alone or through groups.
This may be a significant challenge for organizations seeking these
individual’s assistance through donations, volunteering and advocacy.
 The frequency and focus of civic engagement activities vary by generational
age
age. This is due
due, in part
part, to changes in life-stage
life stage.
50
Implications (Cont’d.)
 Older adults are increasingly choosing to volunteer both through an
organization and on their own, rather than either way solely. And, given
that the average hours spent volunteering through organizations and on
one’ own
one’s
o n have
h e not changed,
h nged this
thi indicates
indi te that
th t volunteers
ol ntee are
e not trading
t ding
their time spent in one form of volunteering with the other.
 Although they currently appeal to a majority of midlife and older adults,
memberships with religious organizations have steadily declined over the
last 15 years. Continued decline could have a detrimental impact on
volunteer rates in the future—especially considering the key role that these
organizations currently play in volunteering.
 While substantial numbers of the 45+ are engaging in various civic
activities, no one activity is engaged in by a majority. This means that the
priorities and opinions of activists may not be fully represented
represented.
51