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)

6

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