MUNCIE, Ind. -- Volunteering has lost its luster in the last decade, but the practice is far from dead, says a Ball State University educator.

Increased cynicism, expanded work hours, an aging population and changes in the family structure have reduced the pool of eligible volunteers, said Peter Murk, a professor of adult education.

"I think that volunteering has lost that sparkle," Murk said. "It is not dying, but we have to re-invent the practice in order for it to survive."

He said Americans have too many things to do and too little time.

"We've also become too focused on ourselves and not on others," Murk said.

A pilot study of volunteers found that to increase the number of volunteers, agencies and not-for-profit companies make unpaid work more short-term, specific and focused.

The study also found that fewer women were able to volunteer because of family and work commitments, but more retirees and teens were interested in offering time and skills.

"People have a limited amount of time," Murk said. "They want to do something, see the results and move on. They don't want to volunteer for the long haul, maybe one year to 18 months. As the population increases, there is a larger group of people who have time on their hands to volunteer, he said.

"It is great when you couple teens, who have enthusiasm, with older adults, who have experience and wisdom. It is a  wonderful combination," Murk said.

While fewer people are offering their time, the reasons for volunteering has not changed over the years. Individuals volunteer to improve their chances of promotion, meet new people, escape boredom, spend time with family or friends and maintain skills that they would no longer use, as well as help society.

Murk cited Habitat for Humanity as a premier organization for volunteers. People come together to build homes for individuals with economic disadvantages. Volunteers can see tangible results quickly, constructing a house in about a week.

"To be a successful organization, the workers must see the results just like when building a home," he said. "You can feel the wood being cut, you can hammer in the nails and put up the walls. Quickly, you've reached your goal of a complete home."