Across Europe governments and policy makers recognise the advantages of growing third sector activity. In the context of demographic ageing and increasingly binding fiscal restraint in most countries, voluntary activity can help bridge the gap between need and service provision. At the same time, increasing longevity has given rise to a generation of fit and healthy older people who represent a significant demographic bounty. As volunteers, unpaid carers, parents, grandparents, mentors or retired workers, so called ‘third agers’ make important contributions to social and economic life. Volunteering can also enhance the health and quality of life of the volunteers themselves. In the Republic of Ireland, there is a long-standing history of voluntary activity in the social care sector. The Irish welfare state is less structured than its European counterparts, and has depended on voluntary activity, social enterprise and social entrepreneurship to fill major gaps in service provision. With this context in mind, the paper presents a quantitative and qualitative analysis of voluntary activity by older people within a major social enterprise in Ireland: the Third Age Foundation. Context and motivations for volunteering are examined, as well the impact on quality of life and well-being of volunteers. The broad economic and social significance of the work of older volunteers is also explored.<br/
