Older men’s participation in community-based men’s sheds programmes

The purpose of this qualitative study was to investigate the lived experience of older men taking part in community-based shed programmes. Five men, aged 65 and over, who attended two different community sheds participated in semi-structured in-depth interviews in 2007. Data were analysed thematically with six main themes emerging as follows: 'company of fellas'; 'everybody's got a story to tell'; 'still got some kick'; 'passing on your experiences'; 'get on your goat' and; 'nobody's boss'. Participation in community-based men's sheds positively influences the health and well-being of older Australian men through provision of a 'men's space' in which meaningful activities occur. Provision of community-based men's shed programmes as among a range of activity options in the community may contribute positively to the physical, mental, social and occupational health of older men.