This Men’s Health Week from 14 to 20 June, the Australian Men’s Shed Association (AMSA) is encouraging all men to book in a date with their mates.
The Noosa Men’s Shed provides a venue for the men of Noosa to gather in an environment of traditional Australian “mateship“.
“You’re never too old to get something out of having a group of friends – whether they’ve been around forever and a day, or they’re new connections,” AMSA Executive Officer David Helmers said.
With ageing comes an increasing importance in staying connected to people and to communities, but equally this connection can become increasingly challenging.
Physical health and the move away from work and family commitments can easily lead to becoming socially isolated.
“The empirical evidence is clear. Social participation is positively linked to mental wellbeing and quality of life, particularly in older people,” Mr Helmers said.
Because prevention is better than a cure, when it comes to health and wellness, to reap the most benefit from social participation people have to be proactive about seeking and maintaining meaningful social engagement.
But it’s not just older blokes that benefit from engaging with people and participating in their communities. Regardless of age, meaningful social participation is a platform for good health and wellbeing.
For thousands of Australian men, Men’s Sheds are a perfect combination of somewhere to go and something to do, with a group of people with similar interests. But the key is simply getting together in a way that facilitates having a conversation and doing something meaningful.
Find out more about the Noosa Men’s Shed at www.noosa-mens-shed.org.au
