Post on 30-Aug-2018
CIVIC ENGAGEMENT AMONG MID-LIFE AND OLDER ADULTSFindings from the 2012 Survey on Civic Engagement
Research and Strategic AnalysisIntegrated Value and StrategyDecember 2012
About AARPAARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, with a membership of more than 37 million, that helps people 50+ have independence, choice and control in ways that are beneficial to them and society as a whole AARP does not endorse candidates forbeneficial to them and society as a whole. AARP does not endorse candidates for public office or make contributions to either political campaigns or candidates. We produce AARP The Magazine, the definitive voice for Americans 50+ and the world's largest-circulation magazine; AARP Bulletin, the go-to news source for the 50+ audience; www.aarp.org; AARP VIVA, a bilingual lifestyle multimedia platform addressing the interests and needs of Hispanic Americans; and national television and radio programming including My Generation and Inside E Street. The AARP Foundation is an affiliated charity that provides security protection andFoundation is an affiliated charity that provides security, protection, and empowerment to older persons in need with support from thousands of volunteers, donors, and sponsors. AARP has staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Learn more at www.aarp.org.
2
Goals for this Studyy
Understand how mid-life and older adults (age 45+) are connecting with and contributing to theirare connecting with and contributing to their communities.
Identify generational and other factors that influenceIdentify generational and other factors that influence civic engagement.
Examine how civic engagement among mid-life andExamine how civic engagement among mid life and older adults has changed over time.
3
MethodologyData Collected:
Telephone Survey; Module from June 2012 AARP Integrated T acking S eTracking Survey
Sample: • Random sample of 1 500 adults 45+ (including 1 000 AARPRandom sample of 1,500 adults 45+ (including 1,000 AARP
members) • Oversample of 500 Generation X members
Trend Comparisons (from three prior AARP studies):
• 1997 study of civic engagement (“Maintaining America’s Social Fabric: A Status Report of Civic Involvement”
• 2003 study on volunteering & donating (“Time and Money: An In-depth Look at 45+ Volunteers and Donors”)
• 2009 study on civic engagement (“Connecting and Giving: A Report2009 study on civic engagement ( Connecting and Giving: A Report on How Mid-life and Older Americans Spend Their Time, Make Connections and Build Communities”)
4
Facets of Civic Engagement Examined inFacets of Civic Engagement Examined in this Study Social Involvement (i.e., level of involvement in 9 social ( ,
activities)
Group Membership (i.e., the number of groups/organizations they belong to)belong to)
Community Involvement (Involvement in 11 community and civic activities)
Frequency of Voting (in presidential and local elections)
Activities and Hours Spent Volunteering (throughActivities and Hours Spent Volunteering (through organizations and on their own)
Donating to Charitable or Religious Causes
5
Summary of Key Findings• Voting is the top civic engagement activity among mid-life and older
adults. Other forms of civic engagement occur at low to moderate levels. (Page 49)
• However, from 2009 to 2012, voting declined across all age groups except 45-49. (Page 25)
• Although Generation X typically votes less frequently than members of other generations, they were much more involved in political activities in 2012. This is likely a result of their generally independent views and the d l b f d l ldeeply bifurcated political environment in 2012. (Page 12)
• Civic engagement has declined (Page 49)—likely influenced, in part, by the economic downturn in 2008economic downturn in 2008.
• Education level, household income, and perceptions of influence are key predictors of civic engagement. (Pages 46-47)
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Summary of Key Findings (Cont’d)• Social involvement, although moderate, is largely personal—centers
around hobbies/leisure, entertaining friends, and spiritual activities. (Page 9)
• Community involvement is low; focused mostly on own neighborhood/community. (Page 19)
Organizational memberships have declined; but religious group• Organizational memberships have declined; but religious group memberships remain of greatest appeal to mid-life and older adults. (Page 14)
• Volunteering has increased slightly; but the hours spent volunteering• Volunteering has increased slightly; but the hours spent volunteering remains unchanged. (Pages 28, 36)
• Having an impact is a strong motivator for volunteering, with more and ld d l b h h h d hmore older adults serving both through organizations and on their
own. (Pages 35, 29)
• Charitable giving has declined slightly; but still is a common g g g y;occurrence. (Page 38)
7
Social InvolvementSocial Involvement
For mid life and older adults most socialFor mid-life and older adults, most social involvement is personal Compared
to 1997*
34%
28%
36%
28%
46%
40%
62%
75%
76%
(‐9)
Hobbies/Leisure time Pursuits
Entertaining/Visiting Friends
Religious/Spiritual Activities
24%
22%
34%
30%
33%
28%
54%
56%
62% ( 9)
(+5)
Religious/Spiritual Activities
Sports/Fitness Activities
Volunteer Work
8%
11%
10%
21%
17%
33%
28%
29%
43% (+3)Neighborhood Issues
Education/Taking Classes
Politics
5% 17% 21%
28%
very Involved somewhat involved*
(+4)State/National Issues
*NOTE: Statically significant difference from 1997
Question: I am going to read a list of types of activities that people get involved in, and for each one I'd like you to tell me whether you feel that you are very involved, somewhat involved, or not really involved in that activity these days. 9
Slight decline in social involvement—gbut rebounding
Social Involvement, by Year• Based on the level of involvement in 9
16
18
e
involvement in 9 activities: • Entertaining/visiting friends• Sports/fitness• Hobbies/leisure pursuits
10
12
14
men
t Sc
ore• Hobbies/leisure pursuits
• Religious/spiritual• Politics• Neighborhood Issues• Education/Taking classes
6.95.8 6.2
4
6
8
ge I
nvo
lvem
g• State/national issues• Volunteer work
• Scoring:Very Involved =2
0
2
1997 2009 2012
Ave
ra• Very Involved =2• Somewhat Involved=1
• Range: 0 – 18
High Score: 9+• High Score: 9+
10
Social Involvement declines with h ti li ht d leach generation; slight decrease also
among BoomersSocial Involvement,
by Generation
18
Social Involvement Among Boomers, by Year
18
12
14
16
men
t Score
12
14
16
ent S
core
[High Score = 9+] [High Score = 9+]
7.0 6.3 5.8 5.06
8
10
verage Involvem
6.8 6.1 6.36
8
10
verage Involvem
0
2
4
Gen X Boomer Silent Greatest
Av
0
2
4
1997 2009 2012
Av
Gen X (age 31-47)
Boomer (age 48-66)
Silent (age 67-83)
Greatest(age 84+)
1997 (age 33-51)
2009 (age 45-63)
2012 (age 48-66)
11
There is little difference in social involvement activities across the generations
Gen X Boomer Silent Greatest
Percentage Who are Very Involved Socially, by Generation
(age 31‐47) (age 48‐66) (age 67‐83) (age 84+)
Hobbies/Leisure (38%)
Hobbies/Leisure (39%)
Religious/Spiritual(37%)
Religious/Spiritual(30%)
Religious/Spiritual(36%)
Religious/Spiritual(31%)
Entertaining/Visiting (34%)
Volunteer Work(24%)
Political(29%)
Entertaining/Visiting (30%)
Hobbies/Leisure(30%)
Hobbies/Leisure(22%)(29%) (30%) (30%) (22%)
Sports/Fitness(23%)
Volunteer Work(22%)
Volunteer Work(23%)
Entertaining/Visiting(18%)
Entertaining/Visiting(23%)
Sports/Fitness(22%)
Sports/Fitness(19%)
Sports/Fitness(15%)(23%) (22%) (19%) (15%)
12
Group Membership
Only religious organizations have memberships y g g pwith a majority of mid-life and older adults
Memberships by Group Type Compared to 1997*
16%19%22%23%
59%Religious Orgs/ChurchHealth/Sports/Athletic or Country Clubs
Professional/Trade/Business Neighborhood/HOAs
Hobby Garden Recreation/Computer
(‐11)
(+3)(‐3)
11%11%11%11%13%16%Hobby, Garden, Recreation/Computer
Environmental/Animal Protection Veterans’ Groups
Social Clubs, Fraternities/Sororities PTA/PTO/School Support
(‐7)
( 5)
10%10%10%10%11%Health or Disease-Fighting
Literary, Art, or Cultural Labor Unions
Clubs/Organizations for Older PeoplePolitical Clubs or Committees/PACS
(‐5)
(‐9)
5%5%6%6%6%10%Political Clubs or Committees/PACS
Social Service OrgsFraternal Groups (e.g., Rotary, Elks)
Ethnic, Nationality or Civil RightsFarm Orgs
Other Civic or Community Orgs
(‐3)(‐7)
4%5%5%Other Civic or Community Orgs
Scouts or Other Youth OrgsSupport, Self-Help, 12-StepQuestion: I'm going to read a list of types of organizations and for each one I'd like to know if you have been a member of any such group during the past twelve months.
* Note: Only statistically significant differences from 1997 are shown.
14
Decline in number of group types and g p yptotal memberships—but also rebounding• Based on the total Average Group Memberships,
number of groups and/or organizations that the person
9
10
ng
g p p ,by Year
the person belongs to (regardless of type).
• Score range: 0+ 4 25
6
7
8
mbe
r B
elon
gin
1997Score range: 0+
• High Score: 5+3.3
4.2
2.43.12.7
3.7
2
3
4
Ave
rage
Nu
m 1997
2009
2012
0
1
No. of Group Types Total Group Memberships
A
p(Regardless of Type)
15
Group membership is greatest among p p g gGeneration X; least among the Greatest Generation
10
Total Number of Memberships, by Generation
7
8
9
10
Bel
ongi
ng
[High Score = 5+]
4.93.8 3.8
2.83
4
5
6
age
Nu
mbe
r B
0
1
2
3
G ti X B b B Sil t G ti G t t
Ave
ra
Generation X (age 31-47)
Baby Boomer (age 48-66)
Silent Generation (age 67-83)
Greatest Generation (age 84+)
16
Generational differences in total group membership is largely a function of one’s life-stage
Gen X Boomer Silent Greatest
Top 5 Memberships, by Generation
(age 31‐47) (age 48‐66) (age 67‐83) (age 84+)
Religious (54%)
Religious (60%)
Religious(63%)
Religious (62%)
Professional/Trade/ Business (34%)
Professional/Trade/ Business (24%)
Health Club(22%)
Neighborhood/HOA(19%)
PTA (31%)
Health Club(23%)
Neighborhood/HOA (19%)
Social/Greek(11%)(31%) (23%) (19%) (11%)
Health club (31%)
Hobby/Garden/Computer (20%)
Orgs for Older People (19%)
Literary/Art(10%)
Neighborhood/HOA Neighborhood/HOA Veteran’s Groups Health Club(21%) (18%) (16%) (9%)
17
Community Involvementy
Mid-life and older adults are most involved in local community activities
Att d d li i d it ti it
Compared to 1997*
31%
36%
43%Attended religious-sponsored community activityWorked with others to fix community problem
Attended local neighborhood assn./community meeting
(‐3)
21%
22%
31%Contacted elected official to make views knownContributed money to political candidate or party
Attended a local govt. or school board meeting
15%
15%
20%Participated in political event or town meetingWrote Letter to editor/called TV or radio to express opinion
Used social media to express a political opinion
5%
14%
15%Used social media to express a political opinionVolunteered w/group to influence government
Took part in a demonstration or protest (+4)
Question: Have you done any of the following in the last 12 months; that is since last June?19
* Note: Only statistically significant differences from 1997 are shown.
Community involvement is highest among Generation X; lowest among the Greatest Generation
8
Community Involvement Activities, By Generation• Based on involvement
in 11 civic activities, e.g.:
Att di h h
6of
Act
ivit
ies [High Score = 5+]
• Attending church-sponsored community activities
• Taking part in protests or demonstrationsC
2.5 2.7 2.4 2.51.82
4
rage
Nu
mbe
r • Contributing money to political candidates/parties
• Attending community/HOA meetings
• Using social media to
0Overall Generation
XBaby
BoomerSilent
GenerationGreatest
Generation
Ave
rgexpress political opinions
• Volunteering with group to influence government
• Score range: 0 – 11X
(age 31-47)Boomer
(age 48-66)Generation
( age 67-83)Generation (age 84+)• High Score: 5+
20
There are some generational differences gin community involvement
Top 5 Community Involvement Activities, by Generation
Gen X (age 31‐47)
Boomer(age 48‐66)
Silent(age 67‐83)
Greatest(age 84+)
Attend Relig-Spons Attend Relig-Spons Attend Relig-Spons Attend Relig-Spons
p y , y
Comm Activity (50%) Comm Activity (43%) Comm Activity (43%) Comm Activity (34%)
Worked to Fix Neighborhood/
Comm Problems (36%)
Worked to Fix Neighborhood/
Comm Problems (36%)
Contributed Money to Pol. Candidate/ Party
(33%)
Worked to Fix Neighborhood/
Comm Problems (30%)Co ob e s (36%) Co ob e s (36%) (33%) Co ob e s (30%)
Attend Local Gov’t/School Board Meeting
(34%)
Contacted Public Official (31%)
Worked to Fix Neighborhood/
Comm Problems (33%)
Attend Neighborhood/ HOA Meeting (23%)
Contacted Public Official Attend Neighborhood/ Attend Neighborhood/ Contributed Money to (30%) HOA Meeting (30%) HOA Meeting (31%) Pol. Candidate/Party
(21%)
Attend Neighborhood/HOA
Meeting (26%)
Attend LocalGov’t/School Board
Meeting (22%)
Contacted Public Official (29%)
Contacted Public Official (20%)
21
Frequency of Votingq y g(Presidential and Local Elections)
Mid-life and older adults are frequent qvoters, with a majority saying they alwaysvote in presidential and local electionsp
76%80%
100%
nde
nts
Voting Frequency
56%
25%40%
60%
ge o
f R
espo
n
PresidentialLocal
7% 3% 5% 9%
25%
8% 10%
0%
20%
Always vote Usually vote/ Vote half the Only Never vote
Per
cen
tag
Always vote Usually vote/Sometimes miss one
Vote half the time
Only occasionally/Rarely vote
Never vote
Question: How often would you say you vote in elections for the President? Do you always vote in elections for the President, usually vote in them, vote about half the time, only occasionally vote, or never vote in them?
Question: Do you always vote in local elections, do you sometimes miss one, do you rarely vote, or do you never vote in local elections?
23
Si 1997 ti h li htl d li dSince 1997, voting has slightly declined
Voting Frequency by Year
100%
te
Voting Frequency, by Year
Presidential
81% 76%
61% 58% 56%60%
80%
ey Always Vo
t
Local
40%
age Saying
The
0%
20%
1997 2009 2012
Percen
ta
1997 2009 2012
24
From 2009 to 2012, the frequency of votingFrom 2009 to 2012, the frequency of voting declined most among voters age 60-69
Voting in Presidential Elections, Voting in Local Elections, by AgeVoting in Presidential Elections, by Age Group and Year
87% 83%90%
100%
ote
Voting in Local Elections, by Age Group and Year
90%
100%
te
74%80%
83%78%
76% 71%81%
60%
70%
80%
90%
hey Always Vo
50%
60%59%
74%
47%
55%66% 65%
52% 53% 56%63%
60%
70%
80%
90%
hey Always Vo
20%
30%
40%
50%
age Saying Th 47%
20%
30%
40%
50%
age Saying
Th
0%
10%
45‐49 50‐59 60‐69 70+
Percen
ta
0%
10%
45‐49 50‐59 60‐69 70+
Percen
t
2009 2012 1997 2009 2012
25
Voting frequency is highest among the Silent Generation; and lowest among Generation X
Voting Frequency by Generation
83% 80%
100%
Vote
Voting Frequency, by Generation
Presidential
62%73%
83% 80%
52%
65% 61%60%
80%
They Always V
Local
33%
20%
40%
ntage Saying
T
0%
GenX (age 31-47)
Boomers (age 48-66)
Silent (age 67-83)
Greatest (age 84+)
Percen
(age 31 47) (age 48 66) (age 67 83) (age 84+)
26
VolunteeringVolunteering(Formally and Informally)
Formal and informal volunteering has increased since 2003
76%80%
100%
ents
Overall Through an Org On Own
62%69%
76%
51% 51%60%57% 60%
60%
80%
of R
espo
nd
34%
20%
40%
Per
cen
tage
o
0%
2003 2009 2012
P
Question: In the past 12 months, have you volunteered, that is given your time or skills, for a nonprofit organization a charity school hospital religious organization neighborhood association civic or any otherorganization, a charity, school, hospital, religious organization, neighborhood association, civic or any other group?
Question: Now, aside from an organized group, in the last 12 months have you volunteered your time on your own and without pay to help your community or someone in need who is not a member of your family? 28
Mid-life and older adults are more often volunteering both through organizations and on their own than either way solelyy y
100%
Volunteer Rates, by TypeThrough an Org & On Own
On Own Only
60%
80%
100%
spon
den
ts
On Own Only
Through an Org Only
11%
18% 16%
23% 39% 44%
40%
60%
nta
ge o
f R
es
28%12% 15%
18% 16%
0%
20%
2003 2009 2012
Per
cen
29
Volunteering declines with each older gGeneration
Volunteering Rates,
100%
ts
by Age Generation
55% 45% 39%60%
80%
of Respo
nden
t
Through an Org & On Own
On Own Only
Through an Org Only
15% 17% 17% 15%
55% 45% 39%30%
20%
40%
Percen
tage o
14% 16% 16% 13%
15% 15%
0%GenX
(age 31-47)Boomers
(age 48-66)Silent
(age 67-83)Greatest
(age 84+)( g ) ( g ) ( g ) ( g )
30
Mid-life and older adults volunteer most often through religious organizations
38%Religious org.
4%4%
13%15%
38%
Some other type of org.Civic org.
Children's ed, sports, or rec groupSocial and community service group
g g
2%3%4%4%
Cultural or arts org.Other educational group
Health research or health ed org.Hospital, clinic, or healthcare org.
yp g
1%2%2%2%
Public safety org.Youth services group
Sports or hobby groupEnvironmental or animal care org.
g
0%0%1%1%
Immigrant/refugee assistanceInternational org.
Political party or advocacy groupLabor union, business, professional org.
y g
g / g
Question: What type of organization [do you volunteer for]?
Source: Current Population Survey: September 2011 Volunteer Supplement. Bureau of Labor Statistics/Bureau of the Census. Washington, DC. 31
G ti l diff id t iGenerational differences are evident in choice of organizations for volunteering
Gen X Boomer Silent Greatest
Top 5 Organizational Choices for Volunteering, by Generation
(age 31‐47) (age 48‐66) (age 67‐83) (age 84+)Children's Ed., Sports, or Recreational Group
(30%)
Religious Org. (37%)
Religious Org. (45%)
Religious Org. (37%)
Religious Org. (28%)
Children's Ed., Sports, or Recreational Group
(14%)
Social & Comm.Service (18%)
Social & Comm.Service (24%)
Social & Comm.Service (12%)
Social & Comm.Service (14%)
Hospital, Clinic or Healthcare Org.
Hospital, Clinic or Healthcare Org.Service (12%) Service (14%) Healthcare Org.
(5%)Healthcare Org.
(11%)Other Educational
Group (5%)Health Research/
Education (4%)Civic Org.
(5%)Civic Org.
(7%)Health Research/
Education (4%)Other Type of Org.
(4%)Children's Ed., Sports, or Recreational Group
Other Type of Org. (5%)Education (4%) (4%) or Recreational Group
(5%)(5%)
32Source: Current Population Survey: September 2011 Volunteer Supplement. Bureau of Labor Statistics/Bureau of the Census. Washington, DC.
Helping those with food insecurities and fundraising are top volunteer activities among mid-life and older adults
22%
26%
26%
/General labor/Supply transportation
Fundraise or sell items to raise moneyCollect, prepare, serve food
15%
15%
16%
21%
Mentor youthCollect clothing/other goods (not food)
Tutor or teachProvide professional/mgt assistance
13%
14%
14%
15%
Provide general office assistanceOther type
Usher, greeter, ministerMentor youth
6%
7%
9%
Coach, referee, supervise sports teamProvide counseling, medical care, etc.
Engage in music/other artistic activitiesg
Question: For each activity that I mention, please tell me – yes or no – whether you did that activity for that organization in the last year.
33Source: Current Population Survey: September 2011 Volunteer Supplement. Bureau of Labor Statistics/Bureau of the Census. Washington, DC.
G ti l i ti l id tGenerational variations are also evident in choice of volunteer activities
Gen X (age 31‐47)
Boomer(age 48‐66)
Silent(age 67‐83)
Greatest(age 84+)
Top 5 Volunteer Activities, by Generation
Fundraise/Sell Items (29%)
Fundraise/Sell Items (27%)
Collect, Prepare, Serve Food
(29%)
Collect, Prepare, Serve Food
(23%)
Collect, Prepare, Serve Food
Collect, Prepare, Serve Food
Fundraise/Sell Items (22%)
Other Type (22%)Food
(23%)Food
(26%)(22%) (22%)
General Labor (21%)
General Labor (22%)
Provide Professional Services(19%)
Collect Clothing/Other Goods
(19%)M t Y thMentor Youth
(20%)Provide Professional
Services (21%)
General Labor (19%)
Fundraise/Sell Items (16%)
Tutor or Teach(20%)
Tutor or Teach(18%)
Collect Clothing/Other Goods
General Labor (14%)( )
(17%)( )
34Source: Current Population Survey: September 2011 Volunteer Supplement. Bureau of Labor Statistics/Bureau of the Census. Washington, DC.
Top reasons for volunteering center around having an impact
74%W f " i i b k"
43%
53%
56%
30%
21%
18%
73%
73%
74%Way of "giving back" Personal responsibility to help those in need
Helps own neighborhood/community
AboutIMPACT!
46%
46%
47%
22%
23%
23%
68%
70%
70%The organization has good track recordIt’s a way to make a difference Makes own life more satisfying
34%
40%
37%
27%
25%
29%
61%
64%
66%
Very I t t
Use knowledge, skills, experience Know someone personally affected
Way to keep active
19%
36%
28%
29%
18%
33%
48%
54%
61%Important
Somewhat Important
Way to keep active Someone asked personally Because of religious beliefs
Way to meet/get together with others 19% 29% 48%Way to meet/get together with others
35
Although the average monthly hours spent volunteering (through organizations and on their own) did not change from 2009, a significant increase was seen among those volunteering 11 or more hours through organizations. o u tee g o o e ou s t oug o ga at o s
Through Organizations On Their Own
14%22%
15% 17%80%
100%
unteers 21+ hours
11‐20 hours 26% 27%
14% 10%
9% 12%
80%
100%
unteers 21+ hours
11‐20 hours
30% 19%
26%24%
40%
60%
entage of V
olu
6‐10 hours*
3‐5 hours 29% 31%
26% 27%
40%
60%
entage of V
olu
6‐10 hours
3‐5 hours*
14% 18%
30% 19%
0%
20%
2009 2012
Perce
2 hours or less 23% 20%
0%
20%
2009 2012
Perce
2 hours or less
2009 2012 2009 2012
36*Note: The circled hours are the average monthly hours spent volunteering.
Charitable GivingCharitable Giving
Despite some decline, mid-life and older adults continue to donate at high rates
s
Charitable Giving, by Year
87%espo
nden
ts
4%18%
87%72% 73%
ntage of Re
Money & PropertyProperty Only
50%
2003 2009 2012
Percen
Property OnlyMoney Only
Question: During the past 12 months, have you donated money or property to any charitable or religious organizations? 38
Charitable giving is fairly similar tiacross generations
75% 72%77%
73%80%
100%
ts 75% 72% 73%
60%
80%
Respon
dent
20%
40%
rcen
tage of
0%
GenX (age 31-47)
Boomers (age 48-66)
Silent (age 67-83)
Greatest (age 84+)
Pe
39
Perceived Influence onPerceived Influence on Community Problemsy
Nearly two in three mid-life and olderNearly two in three mid life and older adults feel they have little to no influence on community problems when acting o co u ty p ob e s e act galone
Perceived Amount of Influence as an Individual Acting Al b Y
24% 22% 23%
10% 8% 9%
80%
100%
nden
ts
Alone, by Year
A lot
60% 67% 65%
24% 22% 23%
40%
60%
80%
age of Respo
n
Moderate amount
Little or None
Depends
0%
20%
1997 2009 2012
Percen
ta
Don't Know
Question: Thinking now about what people can do—apart from government—how much influence do you think someone like you, acting alone, can have on problems that exist in your community? Would you say you have a lot, a moderate amount, a little, or no influence at all?
41
H t i th f l th h l tHowever, two in three feel they have a lot or moderate amount of influence when j i d b thjoined by others
Perceived Amount of Influence When Joined with Others,
24% 27%80%
100%
nden
ts
by Year
A lot
30%
36% 36%
45%
40%
60%
80%
ge of R
espo
n
Moderate Amount
Little or None
Depends
20% 36% 37%
30%
0%
20%
Percen
tag Depends
Don't Know
1997 2009 2012
42
Perceived influence is highest among Generation X; lowest among theamong Generation X; lowest among the Silent Generation
A ti Al J i d b OthActing Alone
100%
Joined by Others
100%
38%34% 28% 32%
60%
80%
espo
nden
ts
69% 67%50%
46%60%
80%
100%
espo
nden
ts61% 65% 71% 64%
20%
40%
entage of R
e
48% 43%20%
40%
60%
entage of R
e
0%GenX
(age 31-47)Boomers
(age 48-66)Silent
(age 67-83)Greatest
(age 84+)
Perce
30% 33%43%
0%
20%
GenX (age 31-47)
Boomers (age 48-66)
Silent (age 67-83)
Greatest (age 84+)
Perce
A little/Not at all A lot/Moderate Amount A little/Not at all A lot/Moderate Amount
43
f OPredictors of OverallCivic EngagementCivic Engagement
Midlife and older civic t i lti di i lengagement is multi-dimensional
Group Presidential
Community Involvement
Group Membership Voting
Social Involvement
Local Voting
Charitable GivingMonthly Hours
Spent Volunteering Through
Organizations
Monthly Hours Spent Volunteering
on One’s Own
45NOTE: This graph, based on a correlations analysis, shows how the various facets of civic engagement are related to each other. Only moderate to strong relationships are shown (displayed as arrows). The thicker the arrow, the stronger the correlation is between the facets.
Education level, household income and perceptions of influence areincome and perceptions of influence are key predictors of civic engagement
Education Level
Household Income
Perceived Influence(Alone)
Perceived Influence(Groups)
Region
Social Involvement X X X
Group Membership X X
Community Involvement X X
Voting Freq. (Presidential) X x (NE)
Voting Freq. (Local) X X x (NE)
Charitable Giving X X
46
P di t f Ci i E t (C t’d)Predictors of Civic Engagement (Cont’d)Education Household Perceived Perceived Region EmployedLevel Income Influence
(Alone)Influence(Groups)
Volunteering Through Organizations
X* XOrganizations
Volunteering On OwnX X X
Volunteer Hours X* (‐) X X (SE)Volunteer Hours(Organizations)
X ( ) X X (SE)
Volunteer Hours (On Own)
X*(‐) x( )
Overall Civic Engagement
X
*NOTE: As household income increases, the likelihood of volunteering also increases; but the hours spent volunteering tend to decrease.NOTE: As household income increases, the likelihood of volunteering also increases; but the hours spent volunteering tend to decrease.
47
Summary and ImplicationsSummary and Implications
Current State of Civic Engagement g gamong Mid-life and Older Adults
HighModerate
15%26% 32%
20% 23%13%
80%
90%
100%
s
ModerateLow
49%18%
24% 14%15%
76%56%
50%
60%
70%
80%
Respon
dents
14% 19% 25%
50% 56% 64% 72%
10%
25%
10%
20%
30%
40%
rcen
tage of R
14%0%
Voting in Presidential
Elections
Voting in Local
Elections
Social Involvement
Group Memberships
Community Involvement
Organizational Volunteer
Hours
Volunteer Hours Spent
on Own
Per
Trend:
49
Implications With the exception of voting, older adults (age 45+) have low to moderate
levels of civic engagement.
Civic engagement is influenced by a host of demographic factors; but Civic engagement is influenced by a host of demographic factors; but education, household income and perceived influence are key predictors–indicating the important influence of socioeconomic status in civic engagement.
Civic engagement declined in 2009; but appears to be rebounding to 1997 levels. The economic downturn which began in late 2008, has likely played a role in impacting engagement levels. p g g g
There is reduced optimism among mid-life and older adults about their ability to influence change—either while acting alone or through groups. This may be a significant challenge for organizations seeking theseThis may be a significant challenge for organizations seeking these individual’s assistance through donations, volunteering and advocacy.
The frequency and focus of civic engagement activities vary by generational age This is due in part to changes in life-stageage. This is due, in part, to changes in life stage.
50
Implications (Cont’d.) Older adults are increasingly choosing to volunteer both through an
organization and on their own, rather than either way solely. And, given that the average hours spent volunteering through organizations and on one’ o n h e not h nged thi indi te th t ol ntee e not t dingone’s own have not changed, this indicates that volunteers are not trading their time spent in one form of volunteering with the other.
Although they currently appeal to a majority of midlife and older adults, memberships with religious organizations have steadily declined over the last 15 years. Continued decline could have a detrimental impact on volunteer rates in the future—especially considering the key role that these organizations currently play in volunteering.organizations currently play in volunteering.
While substantial numbers of the 45+ are engaging in various civic activities, no one activity is engaged in by a majority. This means that the priorities and opinions of activists may not be fully representedpriorities and opinions of activists may not be fully represented.
51