A Chain Mediation Model Unveiling the Effectiveness of Timebanking on Quality of Life in Later Life
A Quasi-experimental Study in Hong Kong
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 7147348 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Shiyu Lu (0000-0002-9355-4883, University of Hong Kong, corresponding author), Cheryl Hiu-Kwan Chui (0000-0002-3284-5724, University of Hong Kong), Terry Yat-Sang Lum (0000-0003-1196-5345, University of Hong Kong) |
| Year | 2025 |
| Volume | 20 |
| Issue | 5 |
| Pages | 2141-2160 |
| Publication date | 2025-10-01 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Applied Research in Quality of Life (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 1871-2576 • E-ISSN: 1871-2584 |
| Publisher | Springer Science and Business Media LLC (PUBLISHER) |
| DOI | 10.1007/s11482-025-10503-4 |
| OpenAlex | W4416095502 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 45 |
Timebanking, a system where individuals earn time credits through volunteering and exchange them for goods and services, has potential to enhance quality of life (QoL). However, existing studies primarily rely on single-case or qualitative designs, leaving the mechanisms linking timebanking to QoL in older adults underexplored. This study examines the chain-mediating roles of volunteering hours and two sequential pathways — empowerment and belonging — in explaining the impact of timebanking on QoL. A quasi-experimental study was conducted on a timebanking program targeting individuals aged 50 and above in Hong Kong between 2021 and 2022. A total of 116 participants in the timebank group and 114 in the comparison group engaged in volunteer activities at local community centers. The timebank group earned and exchanged time credits for rewards, while the comparison group did not. A Parallel Process Latent Growth Curve Model was used to analyze data. After controlling for covariates, the timebank group demonstrated a significantly faster increase in weekly volunteer hours over time compared to the comparison group (β = 0.93, 95% CI: 0.35, 1.61). Timebanking indirectly improved QoL over time, primarily through increased volunteering hours, which subsequently enhanced self-efficacy in volunteering (chain-mediating effect: β = 0.62, 95% CI: 0.11, 5.10). This study provides the first quasi-experimental evidence that timebanking is a promising intervention to improve QoL in older adults. By fostering increased volunteering and enhancing self-efficacy, timebanking offers an innovative and effective approach to promote active aging and well-being
Empowerment · Mediation · Qualitative research · Quality of Life Research · Health disparities and outcomes · Intergenerational Family Dynamics and Caregiving · Nonprofit Sector and Volunteering
An Introduction to Latent Variable Growth Curve Modeling
The Eurohis-QOL 8-item index
Little's Test of Missing Completely at Random
Cutoff criteria for fit indexes in covariance structure analysis
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Confidence Limits for the Indirect Effect
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A state-of-the-art review of the socio-ecological correlates of volunteerism among older adults
The benefits associated with volunteering among seniors
Racial Differences in Volunteer Engagement by Older Adults
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Effects of Volunteering on the Well-Being of Older Adults
Volunteers’ Felt Respect and Its Associations With Volunteering Retention, Daily Affect, Well-being, and Mortality
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The associations between psychological needs, health‐related quality of life and subjective well‐being among Chinese older people
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Elderly Volunteering in Europe
Exploring the Effects of Volunteering on the Social, Mental, and Physical Health and Well-being of Volunteers
Harnessing the potential of the social economy? Time banks and UK public policy
Crafting Social Integration? Welfare State and Volunteering Across Social Groups and Policy Areas in 23 European Countries
Considerations of Community
The Norm of Reciprocity
Volunteering and health
Pride and Purpose
| Citation velocity | historical |
|---|---|
| Highly cited | No |