A case study about the supported participation of older men with lifelong disability at Australian community-based Men's Sheds

Abstract

Background This article presents an insight into the supported participation of older men with a lifelong disability in community Men's Sheds. We draw on a subsample of men from a 3-year study that explored how older people with a lifelong disability could be supported to transition to retirement from sheltered workshops.

Method Data arose from a range of sources – both quantitative and qualitative – and are structured here into a descriptive case study about how mentors at Men's Sheds provided support to older men (n = 9) with lifelong disability.

Findings Older men with disability want to enjoy an active retirement similar to their peers without disability. These men can join mainstream community groups such as Men's Sheds, provided they are offered just the right amount and type of support.

Conclusion Men's Sheds are largely untapped community resources where men with disability are welcome, provided that appropriate support is offered to the members of the shed.

Keywords:

• disability
• Men's Sheds
• mentors
• social inclusion
• retirement
• participation

Acknowledgements

The views expressed herein are those of the authors and are not necessarily those of the Australian Research Council or the industry partners.

Funding

This research was supported under the Australian Research Council's Linkage Projects scheme (Project number: LP0989241) and with the assistance of two industry partners.

Conflicts of interest

No conflicts of interest are declared.