Older men who are in involved in community groups continue to learn and develop new skills, according to a study funded by National Seniors.

Only about six per cent of men aged over 50 are involved in formal education but participation in community groups may be more beneficial, according to the study’s lead author, Dr Barry Golding from the University of Ballarat.

“We actually found that what men learn informally through being involved in community groups is probably more powerful than being involved in formal learning,” he said.

“That’s because it is real and hands on. A lot of older men with negative experiences of school don’t cope well with formal learning.”

Close to 200 older men from regional and urban communities in three states were involved in the study, which was based on in-depth interviews.

All of them were involved in community groups such as senior citizens centres, fire and emergency services, community education, sporting groups or men’s sheds.

Almost 90 per cent of the participants felt that their involvement in community organisations improved their overall wellbeing.

One 94-year-old man even said that his participation in a community group had saved his life.

“It has been a great benefit to me and if it hadn’t been, I would have died,” he said.

Dr Golding said community groups could play an important role for men who were making the transition to retirement.

“We spend so much energy, time and money educating people to work but we don’t spend much energy, time or money working with people who are beyond paid work,” he said.

“A lot of men find themselves completely bereft when they finish work and they don’t cope well with retirement. Some do but many don’t.”

The CEO of National Seniors, Michael O’Neill said government should recognise the value of community organisations and work with them to increase participation among older men.

“While the organisations should look at how they can encourage more men to become involved,” he said. “This will benefit the organisations and the wider community.”

The study will officially be launched on Friday, 26 February at a forum on men’s learning and wellbeing hosted by the University of Ballarat.