Volunteering or voluntary work, means any kind of unpaid work or activity done for other people. It has been estimated in an Oireachtas Committee report in January 2005 that the contribution made by volunteers was worth up to €480 million to the non-profit sector in Ireland (Irish Times, 26 January 2005). Volunteering can take many forms – from helping to fill envelopes to undertaking overseas development work.

We live in an ageing society. Most older people remain healthy, fit and active well beyond the retirement threshold, but many have difficulty finding ways of continuing to contribute that are personally fulfilling. The Oireachtas Committee report found that volunteering is on the decline, with organisations finding it more and more difficult to attract and retain volunteers. But older people are a resource that society wastes at its peril!

Participants in the programme include Elaine Bradley, CEO Volunteering Ireland, Bayside Meals On Wheels, and volunteer staff at St Francis Hospice, Raheny.

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