Nationwide communities struggle to meet the unique needs of at-risk populations. Currently, a large group of potential volunteers are entering retirement and moving into the next phase of their lives. There is a gap in the research specific to the volunteer motivations of older adults. Because of this gap, my study explored the volunteer motivations of this group. Six participants were purposefully selected. Participants were older adults who were retired or nearing retirement and who had volunteered for a minimum of one year in a formal volunteer organization. My study was a qualitative exploration through narrative inquiry. Interviews, a researcher's journal, participant motivation maps, and volunteer timelines were the means of data collection to address my research questions about the motivations of older people to volunteer, how older people experience volunteering, and what keeps older people volunteering. The following motivations were the most identified by my participants: life satisfaction, helping others, invitation, social networks, time, and autonomy. Based on these findings, recommendations from my study can inform volunteer organizations of recruiting and retaining practices that will attract older volunteers, who could then help eradicate areas of need in communities. Future research is suggested for volunteer organizations specific to their recruiting practices and presentation of their organization. More demographic research is needed about this current group of volunteers. My participants offered insight to the motivations of participants with varied demographics. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com.bibliotheek.ehb.be/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]