Men's sheds in Australia: learning through community contexts

A range of Australian demographic, education, training, health and wellbeing data confirm that men are experiencing a range of dilemmas as they age, particularly after retirement. Community-run men’s sheds have recently developed and proliferated, mainly across parts of southern Australia and with higher proportions of older men not in work. This research study examines their role as a place in the lives of older men. It examines the informal skill development that takes place for older men in men’s sheds: dedicated men’s programs and spaces in community organisations in Australia. It examines the circumstances and attitudes that have been shown to bring otherwise disengaged older men (defined as age 45+) to learning. In doing so, it closely examines the rationales, pedagogies, experiences and outcomes of participants in men’s sheds. These spaces and programs form a growing part of local government, community services and welfare provision for older men at a neighbourhood and suburb level in towns and local communities. The research confirms for the first time, using compelling and rigorously collected data from participants, the critical value of community-based men’s sheds in Australia to older men’s wellbeing: particularly to their health, social enjoyment, ongoing learning capacity and ability to contribute to the community. Show less