They may well be our greatest repository of the social capital that many fear is drying up. Third, seniors' time left to live may give them special reason to become involved in civic and voluntary work that constitutes their legacy to others. In addition, a number of recent studies suggest that more older adults may be willing to serve as a matter of self-interest. Studies following people over their lives link community engagement to prolonged physical and mental health in old age. So one might expect to see much clamoring to engage elders in service to communities, but the opposite is true.
Most studies show that volunteering falls off sharply after retirement.
Although their level of engagement has increased substantially since the early 1960s, older Americans still serve less than any other age group. Housework is the next major activity absorbing time liberated in later life. It is no surprise that a majority of older respondents to a recent Louis Harris poll lament the loss of usefulness after retirement. In and of itself, this loss of human potential would be cause for concern. But the stakes extend beyond personal fulfillment.