Importance of Men’s Health Week in Aged Care

Healthy Body, Healthy Mind: Keeping the Balance is the theme of Men’s Health Week from 12-18 June. At RSL Care Carrington’s residential aged care community, weekly Men’s Club activities focus on supporting men’s physical and mental health.

Research from the RDNS Institute shows social support is a key factor in keeping men physically and mentally healthy. For men in particular, having adequate social support and reducing stress were factors that could help improve their ability to age well.

In line with this work, Carrington’s Men’s Club provides a safe environment where residents can focus on improving health and wellbeing, build friendships, foster achievement, encourage participation, and increase self-esteem, confidence, independence and feelings of value and respect.

“The Men’s Club was created and run by our volunteer Stan Banasiak who organised a necessary space for the men to come together and join in activities they choose for themselves,” Diversional Therapist Debe Dewey said.

“Current research into the needs of older men in residential aged care reinforces what we see every day - that men moving into aged care retain a strong sense of self and value their personal relationships, independence and overall wellbeing.

“All the men in our community are welcome at the Men’s Club, including residents living in our dementia unit.

“We have between 10 and 15 men come per week and they do a range of activities including day trips. The ex-Air Force men visited the airport to look at planes, lunches out and the club also holds BBQs, watches manly movies including Rocky and Mad Max, plays games including cards and bowls, and has guest speakers and a footy tipping contest.

“What makes the Men’s Club even more special is the fact that other family members are invited along as well. Sons and grandsons take the chance to come along and have a beer, a chat and spend some quality time with their fathers and grandfathers.” 

Find out more about RSL Care.