Shining a light on men’s wellbeing
Aged care provider Lifeview is holding a men’s program across its aged care homes for Men’s Health Week.
Aged care provider Lifeview is holding a Men’s Health Week program across all of its four Melbourne-based homes to provoke thought and discussion among male residents.
Through a series of events, promotions and publicity, Men’s Health Week will focus – not just on physical health – but also on men’s mental health and emotional wellbeing.
“Men’s Health Week is an opportunity to celebrate both the good things that men and boys bring to our society and shed light on the health and wellbeing issues they face,” said Lifeview’s social support and events manager Annitta Macauley.
Designed to provoke thought and discussion about what needs to be done to improve male health, the program includes mental health chats, bird box building, pub lunches and card game afternoons. All activities will be run by Lifeview’s male staff.
“We run a week of activities for the men, run by the men, with each activity offering the space to discuss men’s health in a private setting,” said Ms Macauley.
The latest Australian Longitudinal Study of Male Health report found mental ill-health remains high among Australian men. Up to 25 per cent experience a diagnosed mental health disorder in their lifetime, while 15 per cent experience a disorder in any 12-month period.
However, only a quarter of men said they would seek help from a mental health professional if they were experiencing personal or emotional problems.
Lifeview’s Men’s Health Week aims to shine a light on men’s health across its sites every June.
“Residents enjoy the occasion to participate in events catered for them and for their wellbeing,” said Ms Macauley. “It is also a great way to develop friendships and start conversations about subjects that matter.”
Men’s Health Week runs from 13 to 19 June.
Main image: Lifeview residents attending a Men’s Health Week event
Comment on the story below. Follow Australian Ageing Agenda on LinkedIn and Facebook, sign up to our twice-weekly newsletter and subscribe to AAA magazine for the complete aged care picture.
Congratulations to Lifeview for raising the focus on men’s mental health and emotional wellbeing.
As a counsellor, I am conscious of differences in access and support for men across any home and care environment. Again, this is a reason for the aged care sector to build competence and specific skills among its workforce, and to respect those who have a vision to build skills to help those who need support.