The Tool Box
Men aged 85+ have the highest suicide rates in Australia, more than three times the average rate (link). A review by the RACGP (link) identified contributing factors, including physical issues (eg loss of independence), financial difficulties, major life transitions and psychological issues - such as feeling distressed, worthless, lonely, isolated, unneeded, burdensome and marginalised.
These psychological issues are driven by ageism; and compounded by a reluctance on the part of older men to express their feelings or be vulnerable. Restrictive masculine norms such as stoicism and self-reliance, can make older men less able to cope, less likely to talk about their issues when they aren’t coping, less likely to seek help, and at greater risk of suicide.
The ToolBox builds older men’s skills to cope with and seek help for the challenges associated with ageing, ageism, chronic illness, grief and loss.
These psychological issues are driven by ageism; and compounded by a reluctance on the part of older men to express their feelings or be vulnerable. Restrictive masculine norms such as stoicism and self-reliance, can make older men less able to cope, less likely to talk about their issues when they aren’t coping, less likely to seek help, and at greater risk of suicide.
The ToolBox builds older men’s skills to cope with and seek help for the challenges associated with ageing, ageism, chronic illness, grief and loss.
Workshops
We are currently calling for 2-3 services or groups interested in piloting the ToolBox workshop in their org/group. Partnerships are welcome from all states and territories, involve partners contributing to the cost of the pilot and will result in a series of portraits and a report for each participating org/group.
For more info click here or image below or contact Dr Catherine Barrett on 0429 582 237 or email: [email protected]
For more info click here or image below or contact Dr Catherine Barrett on 0429 582 237 or email: [email protected]
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The Old is Beautiful project - for men
The Old is Beautiful, Mount Glorious project, a collaboration with ADA Australia, took our ageism workshop to older men motor bike riders on Mount Glorious, just out of Brisbane. The men were invited to be photographed with their bikes and share their perspectives on ageing, ageism and masculinity - read their stories here. They were also invited to share a message to a mate who was doing it tough - check their messages below.
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Two Good Men
John and Kerin were both husbands, parents, school principals and aged in their fifties when they were diagnosed with dementia. Their worlds fell apart and their view of themselves as men and providers was challenged. In response, they reframed the way they saw themselves as men. Click on the link below to watch their seven min film and hear about the ways their lives were transformed.
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More information
If you would like more information about The ToolBox, please contact Dr Catherine Barrett using the details provided below
