The Men’s Health Crisis [Research] and How We’re Fighting Back.

In most parts of the world, health outcomes among boys and men are substantially worse than girls and women [1]. If you’re a man, or a woman with a dad, husband, brother or son, it pays to read on.

Men are more likely to experience serious health problems than women and are more likely to die as a result. Data on Australian men’s health shows they have a shorter life expectancy than women and are more prone to obesity, substance abuse, suicide and mental health problems [2]. Let’s look at some numbers.

ALARMING STATISTICS

Australian men die on average 6 years younger than women. They account for 75% of transport accident deaths, 2 in 3 fatal assaults and are 4 times more likely to die from heart disease before the age of 65. Suicide kills 6 men a day in Australia, making up 3 in 4 deaths [3]. The outcomes are even worse for men in regional and rural areas [4]. So what can we do?

AN AUSSIE IDEA GAINS MOMENTUM

There’s a growing movement pioneered in Australia demonstrating positive outcomes. Research is proving it effective in improving men’s health and wellbeing [5] and it’s been recognised by our governments in the Australian National Male Health Policy and NSW Men’s Health Framework. It’s a simple solution.

The Men’s Shed. They’re all different, but every Men’s Shed is a place boys and men gather to connect and be productive. A modern version of the traditional backyard shed, you’ll usually find tools to build, fix and tinker, plus all the necessities for a good cuppa! Importantly, they tackle head on some of the primary challenges in men’s health.

3 KEY PRINCIPLES

It’s 3 primary benefits Men’s Sheds provide that are making a difference in men’s health worldwide:

+ Social support and camaraderie
+ A sense of achievement and satisfaction
+ Access to health information without pressure.

ACT NOW

If there’s a Men’s Shed in your area (you can find out here: https://mensshed.org/find-a-shed/) why not check it out? It can and does change lives.

If it’s not your cup of tea, just focus on these 3 key principles. Ensure you’re achieving this in your life to give yourself the best shot at good health and longevity. Let’s also think of the boys and men we care about and support them in achieving this too.

THE SHED STORY

The Australian Men’s Shed Association (AMSA) was established in 2007 and today has a network of over 1000 sheds with an estimated 150,000 members, affectionately nicknamed “shedders”. There’s now an international support body and sheds in New Zealand, United Kingdom, Ireland, Denmark, Canada and the United States.

Men’s Sheds are often involved in unique charity initiatives: restoring bicycles for a local school, making wooden toys for the local hospital, or teaching new skills to boys and young adults. The entire community benefits.

Tip: shedders always seem to be smiling! You can check out some of my favourite examples at UK Men’s Sheds Association: https://menssheds.org.uk/ and Men’s Sheds Canada: http://menssheds.ca/.

FORBES’ NEW SHED

The Forbes Men’s Shed has been operating at the local showground since 2007, and they’re now just months away from opening a brand-new purpose-built shed. The new facility has been backed by incredibly generous community donations, and $231,630 in NSW Government Stronger Country Communities grant funding.

SUPPORT FROM POWER TOOLS PLUS

Forbes Men’s Shed President Norm Haley receiving a donation from Power Tools Plus Product Manager Wayne Parsons, and Marketing Manager Carrie Olsen.

Through our Power Tools Plus Community Program, we recently donated over $4,000 worth of power tools to the Forbes Men’s Shed. We’re also reaching out to other Men’s Sheds across the Central West (NSW) with more resources to help. We’re so keen to see their ongoing work in our communities.

---

MORE INFO.

+ To get updates on our work with Men’s Sheds, subscribe to our e-newsletter or follow us on Facebook.
+ Learn more about our Community Program.
+ For more about the Men’s Shed movement, check out https://menshed.com/.

REFERENCES.

[1] World Health Organisation. (2014). The men’s health gap: men must be included in the global health equity agenda. Retrieved September 17, 2019, from https://www.who.int/bulletin/volumes/92/8/13-132795/en/

[2] Australian Medial Association. (2018). Men’s Health – 2018. Retrieved September 17, 2019, from https://ama.com.au/position-statement/mens-health-2018

[3] Australian Men’s Health Forum. (2018). Fact Sheet #1 The Gender Health Gap. Retrieved September 17, 2019, from https://www.amhf.org.au/fact-sheets

[4] Australian Psychological Society. (2012). The quiet crisis: Challenges for men’s health in Australia. Retrieved September 17, 2019, from https://www.psychology.org.au/inpsych/2012/august/ricciardelli

[5] Australian Psychological Society. (2012). Strengthening men’s health and wellbeing through community sheds. Retrieved September 17, 2019, from https://www.psychology.org.au/inpsych/2012/august/shann