This paper examines the relationship between social class and both age-graded and non-age-graded voluntary association membership in a sample of 320 older people. Special attention is focused on one age-graded association with an examination of recruitments, participation, and attrition over a six-year period. Results are discussed. (Author)

Examines voluntary associations of the aged. A substantial majority of respondents were affiliated and more than one-half had multiple affiliations. Women were more active in voluntary groups than men. Those belonging to multiple associations were more active in each association than individuals with only one affiliation. (Author)

Examines the relationship between older people's participation in voluntary associations and their sense of well-being. Findings reveal type of activity and reasons for participation had little relationship to life satisfaction, since they reflected health and socioeconomic status differences. (Author/BEF)

Two models of the senior center are examined: (1) the social agency model, which views senior centers as programs especially for the poor and the disengaged and (2) the voluntary organization model, which sees centers as for active elderly who have strong attachments to the community. Findings support the voluntary organization model. Paper…

Several trends are noted which may lead future cohorts of older persons to belong to voluntary associations to a greater extent than current cohorts. This study presents detailed age profiles of membership in 16 types of associations. Various patterns of age differences in belonging to associations are identified and discussed. (Author)