National perceptions of over-70s' status as a moderator in the link between volunteering and subjective well-being among older adults in 29 European countries

Abstract

This study examines the moderating role of national subjective social status (SSS) perceptions of the general population about individuals over the age of 70 on the relationship between volunteering and subjective well-being (health, happiness, and life satisfaction) of older adults. We hypothesize that in countries where the over-70s are perceived to have higher status, the relationship between volunteering and well-being will be positive. The sample comprises individuals over 70 years of age (N = 8331) in 29 countries from Europe. Empirical estimation uses data from the 2008/09 European Social Survey. Multilevel analysis is used to allow the aggregation of variables from different levels: individual, national, and welfare system. The study revealed that there is a positive relationship between the volunteering of older people and their health, happiness, and life satisfaction. The positive association between volunteering and well-being is stronger in countries where the social status of older people is perceived to be higher. By focusing on national-level assessments of SSS, the research highlights how collective perceptions and broader societal attitudes toward aging interact with individual experiences, offering insights into the institutional and cultural determinants of older adults' lived realities across different countries.