The Role of Community-Based Men’s Sheds in Health Promotion for Older Men: A Mixed-Methods Systematic Review

Abstract

Men’s Sheds are a community-based health promotion concept which brings men together to engage in joint activities. Prior research reported beneficial effects on health and well-being of the participants; however, evidence is limited. The main objective of this systematic review is to provide an extensive overview of current research on the effectiveness of Men’s Sheds on self-rated health, social isolation, and well-being by applying a mixed-methods approach. In addition, this review aims to identify how to successfully transfer and implement the concept. Eligible for inclusion were all studies published in English, German, or French that specifically referred to the concept of Men’s Sheds. Four databases were searched for eligible studies, followed by a hand search on websites and reference lists. Methodological quality of included studies was assessed using checklists developed by the Joanna Briggs Institute. Following the convergent integrated approach, quantitative data were transformed and merged with qualitative data to conduct a thematic analysis. Overall, 35 qualitative, nine quantitative, and eight mixed-methods studies were included. We found evidence regarding benefits of shed participation on self-rated health, social isolation, and well-being. We identified three key characteristics of a successful Men’s Shed, including appropriate shed facilities, sufficient funding as well as a participant-driven management and organization of the shed. This mixed-methods systematic review provides a comprehensive overview of the evidence base concerning Men’s Sheds and highlights the need for longitudinal studies investigating causal relationships and gathering sufficient information on how to successfully transfer and implement the concept of Men’s Sheds in other countries.

Improved Mental Health, Social Connections and Sense of Self: A Mixed Methods Systematic Review Exploring the Impact and Experience of Community Reminiscence Programs

“…Decrease in depression and anxiety identified in this review could, in part, be due to overcoming feelings of loneliness. 58 , 59 These findings are consistent with results identified in similar community-based programs targeting older people, (such as Men’s Sheds 60 ) and other systematic reviews of the literature exploring programs in residential aged care facilities. 61 , 62 …”

Sheds for life: health and wellbeing outcomes of a tailored community-based health promotion initiative for men’s sheds in Ireland

“…Although Sheds appeal to predominantly retired men, they have demonstrated their inclusivity for men from diverse backgrounds and varying abilities, also offering opportunities for intergenerational learning [ 32 , 37 , 38 ]. Although, Sheds are not explicitly considered health interventions [ 35 ], research has demonstrated Shedders’ agency in organising health promotion activities within Sheds such as mental health and prostate cancer talks, demonstrating a willingness to engage with health and wellbeing in Sheds [ 39 , 40 ]. Based upon their inherent health promoting qualities and ready access to men who may be reticent to engage with traditional health services, Sheds represent an attractive setting in which to build structured health initiatives.…”

Can ‘What Is Known’ about Social Isolation and Loneliness Interventions Sufficiently Inform the Clinical Practice of Health Care and Social Service Professionals Who Work with Older Adults? Exploring Knowledge-to-Practice Gaps

“…Twelve [ 32 , 33 , 34 , 35 , 36 , 37 , 38 , 39 , 40 , 41 , 42 , 43 ] examined similarities and differences across different types of SI&L interventions, while 21 [ 44 , 45 , 46 , 47 , 48 , 49 , 50 , 51 , 52 , 53 , 54 , 55 , 56 ] reviews focused on a specific type. Of these, 4 [ 44 , 45 , 46 ] examined social facilitation interventions; 4 [ 47 , 48 , 49 ] focused on psychological therapy interventions; 5 [ 50 , 51 , 52 , 53 , 54 ] explored social prescribing interventions; 2 [ 55 , 56 ] investigated be-friending interventions; 2 [ 57 , 58 ] studied animal-assisted interventions; 2 [ 59 , 60 ] reviewed physical activity interventions; 1 [ 61 ] examined leisure–skill development interventions; 10 [ 62 , 63 , 64 , ...…”

“…The majority of reviews included studies that examined the impact of SI&L interventions in the general older adult population living in the community ( Table 1 ) [ 32 , 33 , 34 , 35 , 36 , 37 , 38 , 39 , 40 , 42 , 46 , 49 , 50 , 55 , 56 , 57 , 58 , 59 , 68 , 69 ]. One focused specifically on older men [ 44 ]. Four reviews included equity-deserving groups of older adults as a primary target population.…”