In a 2003 survey, AARP found that the most commonly given reasons for volunteering include: a personal responsibility to help others (65%), to make life more satisfying (58%), organizations has an established track record (51%), to help their own community (50%), to make a difference on an issue (49%), and to remain active (46%). (AARP, 2003: 28).

AARP. (2003, October). 2003 Multicultural Study 2003: Time and Money: An In-Depth Look at 45+ Volunteers and Donors. Washington, DC.

AARP's 2003 multicultural project surveyed 2,069 Americans ages 45 and older by phone interview, aiming to "capture the several ways in which different race and ethnic groups give their time and money to the communities around them." (p.49)