The Impact of Service Learning on Older Adults

            My research topic once again has changed.  This time my focus is on the area of Gerontology and how to help older adults age well.  With this topic, I would like to explore what helps keep elders living a thriving life, and continue to have a positive outlook even at older age.  There is not much research in this area, so hopefully this will be something that sparks a greater interest and I will be able to use for my thesis.

Article 1:

            There have been multiple methods used to help older adults cope with the psychosocial dimensions of aging.  Some of these include physical activity, lessons on nutrition, arts and crafts, and social events.  However, one area has been overlooked, and that is the impact of elders’ involvement in service learning and charitable work.  Although the research is slim, there is still enough evidence out there to prove why this is a critical aspect to late adulthood.  From the article “Service Learning and Older Adults,” findings have shown service learning to increase productivity in later life, the desire to continue learning, and the joy of engaging in their community and continuing to be a part of things they once were in.

Overall, the data collected is unanimous across all studies related to the impact of service learning on elders.  Not only has service learning been proven beneficial for youth, but as well as elders.  By allowing them to be involved in their community, it leads them to having a more positive outlook on life, spark their interest in continuing to learn, and also reduce certain stressors that come with aging.

Article 2:

         The research article “Through Wise Eyes: Thriving Elder Women’s Perspectives on Thriving in Elder Adulthood” focuses on a group of thirteen women who have found ways to enjoy their later years in life.  Throughout this study a general theme was discovered that vital involvement in service learning led the women to have a more positive attitude and age well.  This article was a good example of how charity work can help engage elders and be a successful method to use in group-work.

         For this study a qualitative research approach was used.  It involved interviewing women who represented a mix of different religions, social economic statuses, and education levels.  The focus for this study was to answer the question, how do people thrive in elder adulthood.  At first, the research noticed how busy the participants were in their daily lives.  Once the data was collected, the theme of involvement and service contributed to being a key factor in the thriving lives of elder adults.  All of the women interviewed believe it is important to volunteer in various organizations and events in their community, as well as have a healthy mind and body.

         Overall, this study concludes the importance of elders continuing to live eventful, productive, and thriving lives.  As studied by Erickson, the outlook of old age needs to be viewed in a new way, because it will benefit all of us.  The power of giving back to others and feeling a sense of worth is an important aspect of late adulthood.

Both of these articles relate to my research topic and include information that will be helpful with my research.  There are many factors that can contribute to an elder adult living a thriving life, and service learning is one of those.  From these findings it will hopefully help guide me in the right direction and allow me to explore a new treatment and method for older adults.