This study is an examination of factors predictive of altruistic behavior. Income, race, sex, religiosity, health (locus of control), years lived in neighborhood, the Loyola Generativity Scale (LGS), number of chronic health problems, education, and age serve as predictors. Altruism is assessed using the number of hours respondents reported volunteering in various settings. Data from the MIDUS II (Midlife in the United States) survey is for this study. The MID US study consists of a nationally representative sample of adults ages 30 and older. The hypothesis that stronger social integration would significantly predict more hours volunteered (more altruism) in older adults over and beyond social characteristics was supported. Implications and weaknesses of the study are discussed.

Keywords: volunteerism, altruism, midlife, reciprocal, indirect.