How do older volunteers feel?

I was upset about the way i was taken for granted and somewhat exploited in my volunteering role so it has been interesting reading of others similar experiences. Unfortunately i dont think i will volunteer again. A pity as i have years of professional experience to bring.
My suggestion is that volunteers are treated with more respect and appreciation rather than being ignored and/or exploited. Also helps if a short induction is provided. This didnt happen for me and it probably caused unnecessary difficulties.

Ive started volunteering with Homestart and have been particularly impressed with the training. I chose it because as a newly retired infant teacher I still wanted to work with young children.
My main volunteering worry is if I have to cancel I feel Im letting someone down.

Volunteers are unpaid, not because they are worthless but because they are priceless.

It's interesting to compare experiences with other volunteers with similar organisations. Sometimes one is ignored and unappreciated while another feels a useful and welcome addition to the team. Once I was commenting to an organiser what a negative experience a fellow volunteer was having and, without breaching confidentiality, she implied that heir could be hiccups on both sides.

I found, somewhat to my surprise (although once I thought about it, it shouldn't have been) that I couldn't cope with working around what had been 'my field' (unlike storynanny).
I wanted to deal with stuff I saw, but it wan't in my remit. I wanted to share my experience - but it was less relevant in today's world (I live in an area where only statutory care is being undertaken, so advice has to be tailored to that). I felt frustrated on all sides.
So I have ended up volunteering out of my field, and the new skills I have learned have been interesting. I have developed skills that were previously just a hobby.
I agree about expenses - they must be handed out. Being in a fortunate position, I have saved mine and bought raffle prizes with them.
I volunteer with a small arts festival and as a member of the committee, I get free tickets. I also have a position on our village hall committee, where until recently, we were expected to pay for tickets to social events. Some members felt strongly that we shouldn't get 'freebies'. I became aware of one member who would help, say cooking cakes or similar, but might not turn up - there might have been many reasons, but I wondered if he couldn't easily afford the ticket. I said nothing to him or others, but suggested that 'working' committee members should attend the social events for free. After much wrangling, half price was agreed on.

I'd also add that since my arthritis has worsened, I am much better at doing things like publicity, or book-keeping, as I can do that in my own time, and don't need to worry on a 'bad day'.

I think i would volunteer for library work or a charity shop in the future nothing too strenuous.

Don't volunteer for library then. It was really hard work in our community lead library.