This suggests that potential volunteers should be assured of adequate training and that Extension should be prepared with flexible training programs for older adults. Since older adult volunteers were more motivated by achievement and affiliation than by power, it's important that Extension volunteer opportunities meet these needs. This entails providing concrete feedback about task-related performance, allowing volunteers to use skills they perform well, and assigning challenging, exciting, important volunteer positions. Those working to recruit volunteers may want to assign the volunteer position a title. In addition, more affiliation opportunities should be made available to older adults volunteers who want to help others through personal interactions.
Informal meetings give volunteers an opportunity to meet and work with other volunteers.
Committee appointments help them become a member of a team. Both youth development and adult organization volunteers preferred purposive incentives. Older adults should be given opportunities to make a significant contribution to society, help to attain a valued goal, or gain the feeling they're contributing to some purpose. Providing updates of accomplishments can help keep volunteers aware of the importance of their contributions. Volunteer coordinators may need to consider a different, more work-oriented management style to help older adults feel a greater sense of achievement and structure in their volunteer positions.