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The Role of Civic Engagement for Men’s Health and Well Being in Norway—A Contribution to Public Health

Author

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  • Ursula S. Goth

    (Faculty of Education and International Studies, Oslo and Akershus University College, 0130 Oslo, Norway
    Faculty of Health Sciences, Buskerud and Vestfold University College, 3603 Kongsberg, Norway)

  • Erik Småland

    (Faculty of Humanities, University of Bergen, 5020 Bergen, Norway)

Abstract

Objectives : Using the example of older men volunteering on teams that restore historic ships, this article examines the effects of volunteering on the well-being of older adults. We consider particularly how volunteering impacts levels of social engagement and explore how the men’s reminiscences as they bond with their fellows in highly skilled work helps integrate their life experiences. Methods : Data are based on 14 in-depth interviews with volunteers working on historic vessels in Norway. Self-rated health, functional dependency, and well-being measures were collected using semi-structured questionnaire. Results : Volunteering in a context of skilled, group-bonded, culturally prestigious activity adds considerably to social capital among elderly men in Norway. Respondents explain their involvement in terms of prior relationships and current social benefits. They spoke of the value of maintaining past personal connections to a particular ship, shipping company, or local community. These were reinforced by current social benefits, such as the experience of companionship, unity, and the feeling of making an important contribution to the society. The group dynamics and strong collective aspect of these voluntary associations maintains internal cohesion, and members only leave when forced by increasing age, poor health, or insufficient financial resources. Conclusions : This article illuminates a case study of gender-specific engagement of older adults in volunteer roles returning high benefits both to participants and society, and adds knowledge to public-health programs and policies in the volunteer- and cultural-heritage sector.

Suggested Citation

  • Ursula S. Goth & Erik Småland, 2014. "The Role of Civic Engagement for Men’s Health and Well Being in Norway—A Contribution to Public Health," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 11(6), pages 1-13, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:11:y:2014:i:6:p:6375-6387:d:37211
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Nancy Morrow-Howell & Jim Hinterlong & Philip A. Rozario & Fengyan Tang, 2003. "Effects of Volunteering on the Well-Being of Older Adults," The Journals of Gerontology: Series B, The Gerontological Society of America, vol. 58(3), pages 137-145.
    2. Viswanath, K. & Steele, W.R. & Finnegan Jr., J.R., 2006. "Social capital and health: Civic engagement, community size, and recall of health massages," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 96(8), pages 1456-1461.
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    Cited by:

    1. Jingyue Zhang & Nan Lu, 2019. "What Matters Most for Community Social Capital among Older Adults Living in Urban China: The Role of Health and Family Social Capital," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(4), pages 1-14, February.
    2. Azam Tariq & Tian Beihai & Sajjad Ali & Nadeem Abbas & Aasir Ilyas, 2019. "Mediating Effect of Cognitive Social Capital on the Relationship Between Physical Disability and Depression in Elderly People of Rural Pakistan," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(21), pages 1-11, October.

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