Do you ever find yourself in a crowd of people but still feel incredibly lonely? One way to combat loneliness is to undertake a meaningful activity, like volunteering. It’s a great way to meet new people, develop new skills and generally give you a sense of purpose. It’s also good for your mind and body.

The beauty of volunteering is its versatility. It could involve physical work, assisting with conservation activities like tree planting or tending gardens. You could volunteer to drive or accompany people to their appointments, to the shops or on social outings. Less physical roles might see you playing a board game with someone, practicing language skills with new immigrants, or even proof-reading publications. You could also choose to volunteer for a cause you care about, helping make the world a better place.

Volunteering can help advance your career and provide a soft entry into an organisation, allowing you the opportunity to showcase your skills while giving you an insight into a workplace. Recruiters view volunteering highly when considering potential candidates for roles.

It’s also a great way to add to your skill set and learn new things. For example, to become a Lifeline Crisis Supporter, you need to undertake training which equips volunteers with the necessary skills to respond to help-seekers.

Not only does giving back through volunteering have a significant impact on your community, but it can also benefit your mental wellbeing. The simple act of doing something for others can lead to greater happiness in your life.

Age is no barrier to volunteering. If you are interested, reach out to an organisation to find out what opportunities they have available. Volunteering SA can also assist to ‘match’ you with areas of interest. Don’t underestimate the benefits of volunteering and the positive impact it can have, for yourself and for others.

As published in The Advertiser's Boomer lift-out on 4 April.