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Volunteer engagement in rural age-friendly care: a scoping review
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DOI：10.1186/s12889-026-29007-3.png)
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Abstract
En 中文
Integrated, age-friendly care models are important in preventing functional decline and improving quality of life for older people. However, these models require an adequate, sufficiently trained workforce, which is challenging in rural areas. This study explores how volunteers contribute to age-friendly care in rural contexts, drawing on the Indigo 4Ms Framework (what matters, medication, mobility and mental wellbeing). A scoping review was undertaken following PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Four databases (PsycINFO, Sociological Abstracts, Web of Science, and Scopus) were searched for rural-specific, English language studies published between 2013 and December 2025. Of 3,953 studies screened, 23 met criteria relating to rural volunteer-supported interventions that supported core elements of rural age-friendly care– what matters, medication, mobility and mental wellbeing. Volunteer involvement spanned all four core elements. All studies reported volunteer contributions to mental wellbeing through cognitive, social, sensory, hydration, nutrition, sleep, continence, and carer support activities. Almost two thirds examined volunteer support for what matters, and volunteer involvement in enhancing mobility, with one third examining volunteer roles in medication access, management, and safe use. There is evidence that volunteers can support all four elements of rural age-friendly care. Further research is needed to identify scope of practice for volunteers within rural age-friendly health care models, and to identify how volunteers can be best engaged in these models. Volunteer roles must be defined as supplementary, rather than as a substitute workforce.
Keywords:
Older people
Rural
Integrated care
Age-friendly health care
Voluntary sector
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