Motivations, willingness, and gains: a qualitative study of experiences of helping behaviors among community-dwelling older adults in China using self-construal theory

The results emphasized that the intrinsic motivations for helping behaviors among older people were mainly benevolence and empathy. However, the motivations and willingness to engage in helping behaviors differed and were complex for different recipients. Perceived intergenerational support, peer support, and positive emotions could be protective factors for them in maintaining long-term helping behavior. Therefore, increasing helping behaviors in daily life should be considered an effective public health measure for older people to obtain family and social support and promote their mental health.