Men’s Health Week 2022 – Men Time
This week, Men’s Health Week, the Tasmanian Men’s Shed Association (TMSA) will launch their new campaign based around the importance of ‘Men Time’.
Research shows that ‘Men Only’ time plays a critical role in men’s health and well-being, especially in our older men.
TMSA President David Seen said ‘This is why the Men’s Shed Movement in Tasmania continues to grow and thrive, providing safe places in Tasmanian Communities for men to enjoy the company of other men, have a laugh, make mates, and learn new skills.
‘While several of our Sheds have women’s days, mixed days and social activities, we strongly recognise and support the fact that older men in particular will share their health concerns and problems with their mates. They discuss their issues in a different way. Quite often this happens when they are working on a project – it’s a very natural way for men to communicate,’ he said.
There is a disproportionate amount of health issues that affect males more than their counterparts. Women are much more diligent about their health checks. So many health issues affecting men could be prevented by them having regular check-ups. Men don’t miss getting their car serviced, but it’s a completely different story when it comes to their own check-ups.
Men’s Sheds can provide the missing link in effectively engaging men in understanding the importance of looking after their health and well-being. They provide a safe and comfortable environment where men can talk with other men about their health and in fact any other issues that might be bothering them.
‘We have recently been lucky enough to have esteemed medical expert Bryan Walpole take up the role of our Dr Shed, and his work is proving to be very effective in getting Men’s Health messages out to our Members’ Mr Seen said.
Loneliness is very harmful to health and well-being. It is widely recognised now that social connections especially as we age, have huge health benefits. The rate of suicide in males in Tasmania is staggering. Males make up 75% of these deaths each year. In the last several years, all deaths in Tasmanian workplaces have been males and three quarters of traffic fatalities. Tasmanian men don’t live as long as Tasmanian women. A high number of older Tasmanian men are struggling with loneliness which is incredibly detrimental to their mental health and over all well-being.
‘Without doubt the best thing Men can do is check out their local Shed, you don’t need to have a skill – but you might just make a mate.’ Mr Seen said.
For interviews, material, or further information:
President: David Seen
Phone: 0418 557 361
Executive Officer: Wendy Kennedy
Phone: 0438 100 446