Men's health – why get involved?

New Zealand men can make a difference to their health, for themselves and for their families.

Facts about men's health.

Men are less likely to visit a health professional so they may miss out on chances to improve their health and prevent illness.

Delaying seeking medical advice can also sometimes turn a relatively minor health problem into a more serious concern.

Men get much less active encouragement to use health services than women. Some health centres offer men’s-specific health checks, but there could be many more of them.

In a survey of GPs, men had fewer tests and investigations, and received less health advice than women. (NatMedCa Survey, 2001/02).

Because men are less likely to see a doctor and are more likely to be attending a practice for the first time (NatMedCa Survey, 2001/02), they have less chance to build a relationship with their doctor or nurse.

Men can find it hard to talk about physical discomfort or emotional distress.

Retirement or withdrawal from full time work offers both opportunities and challenges. Adjusting to the increased leisure time that older age offers can be difficult. Preparing for this change is important, and time to adjust to change is needed. 

In our work-orientated society a man’s occupation gives him identity and a sense of purpose. Without this identity, feelings of worthlessness or a lack of purpose can occur.

Statistics show that men don’t live as long as women (Health and Independence Report 2005, MOH) and are more at risk of accidents, injuries, suicide and some illnesses (NZHIS, 2003).

• Statistically, men of lower socio-economic status, and men who live alone, have more health problems. Maori and Pacific men have poorer health overall.
• Men have fewer years free from disability and poor health (Health and Independence Report 2005, MOH).
• Nearly a quarter of New Zealand men smoke (2005 Tobacco Facts, MOH).
• 27% of men have potentially hazardous drinking patterns (MOH, 2004: NZ Health Survey, 2002/03).
• 20% of men are obese (MOH, 2004: NZ Health Survey, 2002/03).

Resources

Read our pamphlet ‘Men’s Health – ignoring it won’t make it better’
Contact Age Concern's national office email or visit your local Age Concern to get hard copies FREE or DOWNLOAD here [PDF file, 0.3MB].
 

Briefing to the Minister of Health

Our Updated Briefing to the Minister of Health expands on key issues and gives updates on our other priorities.

> READ our updated Briefing to the Minister of Health (late-April 2010) [opens small PDF file] 

• Initial briefing for for Hon Tony Ryall. > DOWNLOAD [opens PDF file, 0.02MB]