Although “all men are created equal”, Recreation Professionals face the trials and tribulations of meeting the needs and interests of a diverse population. Traditionally there are many more women than men in health care facilities. Activity calendars often reflect an abundance of activities that are female-oriented such as crafts, cooking, domestic activities, and beauty groups, with the occasional Men’s Club making an appearance. It is extremely important to overcome this challenge and provide programming that is specially designed for the male population.

Morris Mandel once said, “No two men are alike, and both of them are happy for it.” Men, just like women, have a variety of leisure and recreational interests so it is impossible to develop a “one-size-fits all” approach. However, the men in our health care facilities may find interest in some of the following : sports, cars, trucks, trains, boats, planes, outdoor work, building, woodworking, painting, politics, military, police, fire and rescue workers, fishing/hunting, nature and outdoors, animals, music, movies, physical games, exercise, community trips, children, board games, collections (coins, stamps, sports cards, matchbox cards, model trains, etc.) and parlor/casino games. Many of these activities need to be adapted for the individual male participant, but if we are creative we can accommodate these needs and leisure activity interests.

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EXERCISE AND FITNESS FOR THE ELDERLY
Benefits of Physical Activity

By Nikki Carrion, MA
Co-owner; Fit Xpress LLC

• Reduced risk of heart disease by improving blood circulation throughout the body.
• Weight control.
• Used together with proper nutrition…weight loss.
• Assists in the prevention of Type II diabetes, as well as various other lifestyle-related diseases.
• Helps to maintain, or to lower, blood pressure.
• Reduction in cholesterol & increase in HDL’s is likely.
• Boosts existing levels of energy.
• Helps to manage stress by releasing tension.
• Likely to improve self-image/self-concept
• Increase in bone density and prevention of bone deterioration.
• Counters anxiety and depression.
• Increases optimism & zest for life.
• Opportunity to share activities with friends & family.
• Promotes peaceful sleep patterns.
• IN THE OLDER POPULATION: Helps to delay and/or prevent the onset of chronic illnesses & diseases associated with aging. Thereby, helping individuals to maintain “quality” of life, mobility & independence.

 

**CLICK HERE TO READ 10 GREAT STRETCHES FOR ACTIVE AGING**

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TALKING SHOP - ACTIVITY IDEAS FOR MEN
Activity In-Service

This 60-90 minute introductory in-service is designed to provide information that will assist activity and recreation professionals in the development and provision of meaningful activities for the male population in long-term care homes and other health facilities. The in-service comes with a handout, teacher's outline, certificate of attendance, inservice sign in sheet, flyer, two interactive group exercises and inservice evaluation form. The educator may wish to split this into two sessions. Participants will be able to:

*identify 3 reasons why men should have specialized programming options
*name at least 3 male-oriented community organizations
*identify at least 2 types of male-oriented activities for the following categories: technology, physical games, sports, hobbies, education, arts and crafts, cognitive games, table games, fundraising, clubs, environment, programs for those with cognitive impairment, work-related activities, and more.

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