A new study by DSS researchers Paula Steinhoff, Lea Ellwardt and Maya Wermeyer set out to explore how formal volunteering contributes to well-being. As part of the "Jeckenstudie", the researchers conducted qualitative in-depth interviews with 28 members of social clubs in Germany, aged 45-80, who created personal network maps to visually capture the people and organisations most important to their well-being. This approach revealed the complex ways in which volunteering and social networks interact to improve quality of life:

• Participants reported that their roles offered more than just social interaction - they provided a renewed sense of purpose. Participants described how volunteering contributed to "eudaimonic well-being", which focuses on personal growth, meaningful engagement and realising one's potential.

• Many participants found that volunteering helped to ease the transition from full-time employment to retirement. For those who felt unfulfilled in their previous careers, volunteering served as a way to fulfil themselves.

• The study highlighted that the quality of one's social network was as important as its size. Whether through strong bonds with family and close friends, or the wider connections found in community organisations such as local clubs, the support and positive interactions in these networks were vital in buffering against loneliness and promoting well-being.

• The findings suggest that promoting low-threshold, enjoyable volunteering opportunities can be an effective strategy for improving mental health and social connectedness in middle and older age. Encouraging volunteering not only enriches the lives of individuals, but also strengthens community ties - a win-win for public health and social cohesion.