Maximizing the potential of lay leaders by Marilynn Larkin, MA

Older adults are volunteering more now than at any time in the past 30 years, according to the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS),1 a United States federal agency that encourages Americans of all ages to serve their communities. Baby Boomers are volunteering at “sharply higher” rates than did the previous generation at midlife, and the volunteer rate for Americans ages 65 and over has increased 64% since 1974. Many of these volunteers are emerging as lay/peer leaders in active-aging settings. And both organizations and volunteers are reaping the benefits.