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Research on 50+ Engagement Helps Build Case for Policy Changes
Over the past two years, the resources in the Age4Action Network monthly newsletter and on the website have highlighted important research on civic engagement and older adults. With 100+ articles, fact sheets, reports, and congressional records, the Age4Action has compiled research from around the globe.
Research on 50+ engagement lends credibility to what most of us know from first-hand experience—that staying active benefits health and longevity. Robust research strengthens the argument for programs and policies that enhance work, service, learning, and leadership opportunities for older adults.
Reflecting on the past two years of research brings up a couple of questions: What research trends emerged? How is research being used to promote better policies and practice?
New Economic Realities
Much of the research over the past couple of years has focused on the new realities confronting older workers during the economic recession. Older adults who planned to work until a certain age and then retire were struck by unexpected layoffs and difficulties finding full-time employment. Economic hardships radically altered the concept of retirement for a majority of older persons in this country. The changing definition of retirement has in turn impacted volunteering and lifelong learning. New research shows how training programs like the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) in the Older Americans Act have become vital to prepare older workers for an increasingly competitive job search. Age discrimination and economic insecurity also factor into the research on older workers.
Translating Research into Policy Priorities
During the past two years, the Age4Action Network has focused on translating research into new policy priorities. In particular, the network identified the reauthorization of the Older Americans Act as an important opportunity and produced the report “Modernizing the Older Americans Act: Recommendations for the 112th Congress.” Considering research findings such as the high rates of unemployment and the large return on investment of volunteering, the Age4Action Network called for robust workforce training programs, better coordination between volunteer programs and government agencies, and the establishment of volunteer management programs. Additionally, the body of civic engagement research has shaped our policy alerts, providing data to justify funding requests for programs that support our mission.
Looking to the Future
As the Age4Action Network looks ahead, we challenge academics to continue collaborating with the public and private sectors to produce innovative research that will shape the future of civic engagement in an older America. One area where we see great promise is research focused on making a business case for investing in volunteering. Initiatives like the Baycrest Research About Volunteering in Older Adults (BRAVO) project in Canada are collecting strong evidence that volunteering saves money by benefiting mental and physical health. With fiscal restraints causing governments and businesses to overlook civic engagement initiatives, this research offers a strong financial incentive for policymakers to embrace these programs.
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