During Men’s Health Week, from June 10-16, it’s time for men to take stock of their mental and physical wellbeing.
The campaign this year – the 30th anniversary of Men’s Health Week - focuses on “checking in with our health” and encourages men and boys to do just that.
The campaign focuses on the key foundations of good health in men:
- nutrition,
- exercise,
- connection,
- reducing risk-taking,
- health literacy and sleep,
- achievable and sustainable habits to improve outcomes in each one.
Recent health statistics make grim reading. Australian men have a lower life expectancy, are more likely to be overweight and experience higher rates of a range of chronic diseases in comparison to women. The suicide rate of men is three times that of women.
Often it’s not just one support mechanism in place – it is whole-of-care support that is needed to enable men to live their best lives, especially as they get older. Uniting AgeWell recognises the need for a holistic approach to health whether living independently at home or in residential care.
In recognising mental health is as important as physical health, Uniting AgeWell’s Mental Health and Wellbeing Framework outlines the approach and measures we take to support the mental health and wellbeing of not only older clients, but also our staff.
Meet our clients
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Frank Trappes
Between his salad and veggie-rich diet and getting around with his walker he’s nicknamed Bucephalus after the famed wild Ancient Greek horse, Frank Trappes reckons he’s in pretty good nick.
The 76-year-old is happy to share that while he’s not as fit as Alexander the Great’s war horse, he’s living well and safely at home, thanks to a government-funded home care package through Uniting AgeWell.
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John Connell
Mental health and wellbeing is equally as important as physical health. So much so that men across Uniting AgeWell services – both residential and home care - are supported to be proactive to create social connections to ensure they remain positive and happy.
Like retired building insurance assessor John Connell, who has Alzheimer’s disease and attends the social connection group at Forest Hill AgeWell Centre. “The best thing about coming here is all the friends I have made,” says John. “The meals are pretty good too.”
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Alfred Guzzi
Alfredo Guzzi is a wise man. The Preston 92-year-old also knows that keeping as healthy and as mobile as you can, goes with having the supports you need in place to continue living well at home.
He’s got the food-side of things sorted out! Alfredo enjoys the traditional Italian meals cooked by his wife, Carmela. She uses fresh herbs from their garden to create the pasta sauce, and creates her dishes with olive oil and love.
