Volunteering and its impact on self-identity: results from Chaoyang District in Beijing

Ageism has a negative influence on older peoples’ self-identity and behaviour, forming stereotyped attitudes toward the older population that further aggravate ageism. Volunteerism may reduce ageism by improving older adults’ self-identification. This study examined the association between community volunteering and self-identity, and further explored the relationship between participation level and self-identity among Chinese older adults in Beijing. Logistic regression modelling was applied. After controlling for demographic characteristics, financial security and self-rated health, volunteerism was significantly associated with youthful self-identity. Older people who volunteer at least once a week for no more than two hours at a time are the least likely to identify themselves as being of old age.