Determinants of Serving a Mission: Senior Volunteering Among Latter-Day Saints

In retirement, many people choose to contribute their time and energy in service, but what factors shape this decision and choices about types of voluntary activity?

This study reports findings from a survey of volunteers who are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and give their time in voluntary service to their religious community. The survey examined participants’ ties in the communities they serve and other influences on their decision to volunteer in this way. The findings suggest that influences on the decision to volunteer differ from the influences on type of volunteer activity chosen.