As men enter their later years, their mental and emotional wellbeing becomes as crucial as that of physical health. For men over 60, actively addressing barriers to connecting with others can massively improve their quality of life. It can lead to deeper, more meaningful relationships with family and friends, fostering a sense of connection and support. Moreover, prioritising mental health equips them with the resilience and positivity needed to fully embrace the joys and challenges of their golden years, allowing them to live with vitality and purpose.

Globe Community Project has spent over seven years working successfully to combat loneliness and isolation among individuals over 60, but we’ve noticed older men are much less likely to embrace our services. We are committed to addressing this issue and working to take decisive steps to engage more men in this programme.

Why Mental Health Matters for Men Over 60

The later stages of life are often accompanied by significant life changes, such as retirement, shifting family dynamics, and potential health issues. These changes can lead to feelings of loneliness, loss of purpose, or depression. However, there is a cultural expectation that older men should remain strong, stoic, and self-sufficient, which can put so much pressure on their mental health. Some men who are widowed or divorced can find that suddenly, social activities usually organised by their partner have fallen away, and they aren’t sure how to bring them back.

Recognising these complexities, Globe Community Project is working to improve our support and resources,  fostering a community where older men feel comfortable expressing their feelings, seeking help, and navigating this challenging life stage without the burden of stigma. By promoting open dialogue, trialling men-only spaces and providing tailored resources, the project aims to enhance the quality of life for older men, helping them to find renewed purpose and connection in their later years.

What we are doing to support mental health for men over 60

At Globe Community Project, we have been asking ourselves questions to help us better reach men over 60 in our community who are at risk of being socially isolated. Why do fewer men sign up for courses, what do they need, and what it would be like for them to have a men-only group? We partnered with the Bow Geezers Club to find out. This month, we are running a new men’s course for those over 60 who are members of Bow Geezers Club. We are enthusiastic about the potential impact of this course in connecting with the existing members and delivering our well-established over 60’s course.

This is an exciting time for us as we explore this new area, hoping to discover how to better support many more men in our community who are at risk or face isolation as they age. We believe that this new course has the potential to not only provide a social outlet for men but also to further foster a sense of community and belonging, reducing the prevalence of social isolation in our community.

Can you help further our reach?

We are on a mission to expand our reach so that no one is left behind. Building connections and assisting individuals is a crucial part of our efforts. By supporting us, you become an essential member of our community. We are seeking donations to help support our mission in 2025 and beyond.

*These are not the actual names of the individuals.