Men’s Health: supporting men’s health and wellbeing | Tenant news

Did you know that men in the UK have a lower life expectancy than women, currently averaging at 79 years, compared with 83 years for females? UK men also spend a sizeable portion of their lives in poor health, with recent statistics for ‘healthy life expectancy’ (how much of a lifetime is spent in good health) averaging around 61 years.

And when it comes to mental health, men are less likely to seek help, with society’s expectations and traditional gender roles making it more likely they’ll suffer in silence, according to the charity Mental Health Foundation.

That’s why this Men’s Health Week (15-21 June) we’re asking all men to make time for a regular activity that focuses on improving your health and well-being.

Practical, healthy steps

As we all know, preventative health reduces the risk of chronic diseases and contributes to your overall happiness and life satisfaction.

When work and home life gets busy, and stress starts to creep in, focus on a few key elements, to help improve your everyday health and wellbeing.

Move your body:  The NHS suggests aiming for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week, such as brisk walking, cycling, or swimming. Find local fitness facilities and classes near you using the Everyone Active Centre Locator.

Focus on diet:  Make small, sustainable changes to your diet by eating lean meat and non-meat proteins, whole grains, and plenty of green vegetables and fruit.

Talk to friends and family:  Sharing your thoughts, feelings and experiences with others is crucial for staying healthy mentally.  Hub of Hope has the UK’s largest mental health support directory. Meanwhile charities like Calm and the Samaritans both offer telephone helpline support and information about men’s mental health.

Get quality sleep:  Try to establish a consistent sleep schedule and avoid looking at screens an hour before bed for better rest. Lack of sleep weakens your immune system, impairs concentration, and affects your mood. 

Book a GP check-up: Don't delay important health screenings. Routine blood tests can detect markers for cancer, diabetes, and heart disease early.

Increasing awareness

In his documentary, Gareth Southgate: Changing the Game for Young Men , the former England manager spotlights the issues facing young men today, asking why some feel left behind and what could help them move forward.

Meanwhile, at a local level, Men Sheds encourage the creation of community-based spaces where men can connect, work on projects, learn skills and build social connections. You can find your local shed by using their search tool.

The good news is that improving the health and wellbeing of all men and boys in England is on the Government’s radar, and last year it introduced its first-ever strategy for men’s health, which outlines actions now being taken on a national level.

If you have a mental or physical health problem you’re worried about, don’t hesitate, book an appointment with your GP now. The sooner you tackle it, the sooner you can get the help you need and put your mind at ease.

Further support

If you or someone you know needs further support, the following services may be useful:

• NHS mental health support (England)
  Website: www.nhs.uk/mental-health/
  Phone: 111
• Samaritans (24/7 listening support)
  Website: www.samaritans.org
  Phone: 116 123 (free, 24 hours a day)
• CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably)
  Website: www.thecalmzone.net
  Phone: 0800 58 58 58 (5pm to midnight, 365 days a year)
• Andy’s Man Club (peer support groups for men)
  www.andysmanclub.co.uk
  Free weekly face-to-face and online groups available

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