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Author: COMPASS SUPPORT
Introduction
Photo by Beth Macdonald on Unsplash
Through the work of the Ageing Better Network in the UK we know that encouraging and supporting older adults to be active and engage in social and physical activities means they are more likely to live longer, healthier, and happier in their own homes and neighbourhoods. However, it is much easier to engage older women in activities than it is older men. What arts and cultural activities would be put on in your area that would involve older men?
What’s the activity?
Photo by Fons Heijnsbroek on Unsplash
Design two activities for older men that could be run on a regular basis, e.g. weekly, in your area that you believe would attract older men to participate and keep them involved. The main target group would be men who are retired from work but we suggest aiming at men 50+ as habits formed at a younger age are more likely to be sustained into later life.
What am I going to do?
This is an activity that could be undertaken by either an individual or a group and would benefit from the leaner(s) identifying a group in their area that is already working with older adults. The following are the suggested steps:
- Use the internet to research arts, craft and cultural activities that have successfully involved older men
- What is the population demographic in your area, what is the make-up of the older male population? Is it very culturally diverse? Are there many older single men e.g. widowers, or is it mainly couples?
- In your own area explore what activities there already are that older men participate in: talk to older men themselves e.g. through family connections, and talk to local groups already working with older men; are there examples of activities just involving older men and/or are there examples of inter-generational activities
- In both cases also explore the means by which participants were encouraged to become involved e.g. the emphasis here is not on sporting activities but that might be the best way to initially get people involved; are men more likely to become and to stay involved if they contribute to the running of the group?
Come up with design of two separate activities including a description of the activity itself, where and how it would be run (e.g. is the location an important factor in attracting participants?), how you will reach out to inform and attract participants, who you would work with
What will I learn?
- Strategies for enabling and empowering older men to access and sustain their wellbeing through physical activity and social interaction.
- Understanding of the barriers inhibiting older men from coming forward and engaging in active social interaction leading to improved health and wellbeing.
- Ways to use crafts and heritage activities to engage older adults.
- Procedures and policies for enablers around safeguarding responsibilities whilst engaging with older people.
- Ability to engage with older people using a variety of methods and approaches to break down barriers keeping them at home.
- Ability to plan and organise activities safely and in a way that motivates and sustains interest by a cohort of older people.
- Listening and responding to vulnerable members of the community.
- Ability to bring diverse groups together in a cohesive manner including intergenerational working.
- Able to show patience with excellent listening and communication styles.
- Resilient and perseverant
What will I take home?
Older men may be more likely to participate in doing an activity, rather than attending something which is purely social. Those who are more isolated may feel particularly anxious about talking to others directly without a shared activity to focus on.
Remember, activities are helpful if they focus on a shared activity or an opportunity to use skills. Men may find structured groups less appealing and may want the flexibility to dip in and out as and when they want to engage.
Frontline Worker Toolkit
- Creative and cultural participation is the top-most contributor to wellbeing in older age.
- Keeping elderly men active through cultural activities encompass physical and mental wellbeing, social connections, cultural preservation, lifelong learning, emotional fulfillment, community engagement, and combating ageism and active citizenship.
Top tips:
Think about the focus of the activity – speak to men and don’t make assumptions about what men want. Our experience is that older men can be put off by groups which they perceive as being a ‘talking shop’ or an excuse for chatting. Instead, they are more likely to be attracted to groups built around a particular shared interest, such as a hobby, or a common experience, like supporting a team or former job role.
Think about how your group could attract people of different age groups.
• Create opportunities to give something back – build in opportunities for older men to help run groups. Avoid describing this as “volunteering” and keep it flexible and informal. Look for opportunities for people to share expertise and knowledge and opportunities to help the wider community. All help create a sense of purpose and self-esteem.
• Provide a supportive environment -Make sure your group offers a relaxed, casual, friendly and non-competitive environment and consider if there is a need for a men-only group or activity. Consider organising one off events to ‘hook’ new members. This might be a trip, a special guest or a taster session. This also avoids people feeling they have to make an on-going commitment which can be off putting.
• Promote your group to men - Promote in places that men go to. This could include pubs, working men’s clubs and sports venues. Also consider churches, temples and mosques. Talk to schools, colleges and youth groups about making your activity inter-generational. Word of mouth is often very effective. Ask your members to spread the word. This could be talking to friends, relatives, neighbours and colleagues. It could also mean encouraging men to act as champions or ambassadors in the wider community or encouraging men to bring others along who may be in a similar position.
• Think about the language you use - Think about the activity and who you are hoping will attend and then consider whether including the word” men” in the name of the group will work well or not – it can attract some men but also put others off. Ensure that where appropriate the event is marketed in a age-neutral way, so that individuals are not put off by it appearing too "ageist". Promoting activities for men through reaching out to those connected to them, for example their partners or children. Some projects have found that partners, in particular, may seek out information on behalf of older men and encourage them to engage. Look at how your marketing materials are likely to be received by men, even if they are not the ones making the initial contact.