Table 7 Practice comparison.
Compare dimensions | “Silver—Haired Volunteers Action” | “Time bank” |
|---|---|---|
Characteristic | Encouraging older adults to contribute their skills to serve the society | A mutual aid pension model based on the concept of "time savings," where service hours are deposited for future redemption |
Core mechanism | Administrative mobilization combined with moral advocacy | A point-based system for tracking and exchanging service time |
Target population | Older adults provide voluntary assistance to the public | Young-old adults (aged 60–69) provide support for older-old adults (aged 70 and above)/Younger generations provide services for older adults |
Service content | Professional support in healthcare, cultural education, legal aid, and more | Essential support including daily care, companionship, and skills instruction |
Motivation | Honor recognition and social appreciation | Accumulated service time for future exchange, supplemented by material incentives |
Model | Traditional in-person volunteering approach | Digitally managed via platforms (e.g., dedicated Apps or Mini-Programs) |
Social influence | Enhancing the recognition of the social value of older adults | Fostering intergenerational solidarity and strengthening community capital |
