MEN'S ACTIVITIES

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.

The first place to start is with a Population Analysis. How many men reside in your facility or attend your day program? What is the percentage? Then look at your Activity Calendar and compare the percentage of female-oriented activities versus male oriented activities. Many activities, such as physical games, exercise, socials, parlor games, and music are of interest to both genders, however, chances are you are not offering enough activities that truly appeal to men.

Next, review the initial Activity Assessments of all the men to determine their leisure interests, needs, and abilities. Organize a men’s committee or council that meets once a month to discuss programming ideas, options, funding, resources, etc. Create an organized group for the men such as the MACs (Men’s Activity Council), or ask the men to come up with an official name. It could be something that just sounds good with the facility name such as the Kessler Kings, the Bayside Bulls, or the Ocean View Vikings.

With the establishment of an official men’s council or club underway, begin planning a series of activities, special events, fundraisers, and trips in accordance with the council’s ideas, and the functional abilities of the male population. Determine how often male-oriented programs should be provided. Many activities can be incorporated into the regular calendar of events with the men in mind. For example: word games, discussion groups, and trivia can easily be adapted to interest the men simply by offering various themes (Sports Hangman, Famous Men Discussion, Automobile Trivia) etc. Adapted physical games such as putting, bowling, basketball, target games, shuffleboard, and horseshoes are often of interest to the men and may be incorporated into the schedule of activities for men and women as well.

Although many regularly scheduled activities may be adapted or altered to meet the interests of the men, it is also important to have separate “men-only” activities such as the Men’s Club. Some facilities have monthly, bi-monthly, or weekly meetings. How often this program is offered is based on the unique needs and interests of the men in your facility. Have the men organize and implement fundraisers to raise money for special outings (sporting events, bowling, fishing, putting greens), equipment, special games, supplies, Men’s Club t-shirts and hats, etc. Fundraising examples include car washes, craft sales (birdhouses and other wood projects, leather crafts, etc), raffles of sporting event tickets, Walk/Wheel-A-Thon, and so on.



Since the Activity and Recreation Profession is a female-dominated one, it very important to recruit male staff and volunteers to assist in providing a program of activities for the men. This is a great opportunity to get the male staff involved. Male staff may be able to contribute by bringing in old sports magazines, tapes of sporting events, and their own collections and can assist with facilitating the Men’s Club. The maintenance personnel (male or female) can assist in woodworking projects or even take a resident “on rounds”. In addition, many men would also love to see the boiler room or workshop if accessible and safe for the residents.

Volunteer recruitment is also another way to enhance the facilities’ men’s program. There are so many local, state, and national clubs, groups, committees, etc. that can be contacted. Male volunteers may be found in churches (men in ministry programs), schools (debate club, sports, politics, wood-shop, auto-shop) universities (men’s clubs, fraternities, sports clubs), community groups (VFW, American Legion, Elks, Kiwanis, Jaycees, YMCA, Big Brothers, 4H Club, various culture-oriented clubs etc. Some national programs include the Federation of Jewish Men and the National Coalition of Free Men. Another suggestion is to contact various sports and hobbies organizations and clubs. For example, a local coin collection club or baseball card collector may be willing to show their collection and give a presentation. Many individuals who have a collection are more than happy to show off their treasures! There is a club and organization for just about anything (fishing, hunting, camping, model trains, all sports, various collections, etc.) and may have people who would be interested in providing demonstrations, educational sessions, or becoming friendly-visitors.

It is important for Recreation Professionals to identify the needs and interests of the male population and to formulate an activities component in the comprehensive care plan. Take advantage of those products out there that can help enhance programming and recruit as many male volunteers, family members, and staff as possible. There are so many activities that can be provided for the men in health care facilities. Many activities can be adapted to suit the various cognitive and physical abilities of the resident. Such examples include:

• The fisherman may enjoy watching a fishing video, tinkering with a tackle box, playing a game of Monopoly Bass Fishing, or looking at the fish tank
• The hunter/outdoorsman may enjoy watching the birds, listening to the sounds of nature, sifting through a Field and Stream magazine, investigating the backpack, or the aroma of pine.
• The sports fan may enjoy adapted physical games such as bowling and basketball, watching sports on TV., trips to a game, playing a soccer video game, or looking up at the Yankee’s Mobile hanging above his bed
• The trucks and car lover may enjoy remote controlled cars, watching auto racing, joining an on-line car club, going to a car show, sitting behind the wheel of a It’s Never 2 Late computer game, or doing a car puzzle.
• The handyman may enjoy fiddling with wood blocks, helping the maintenance department in hanging a picture, sorting through an array of nuts and bolt in the toolbox, creating a pipe sculpture, building a model airplane, etc.
• The business man may enjoy county fake money, organizing receipts, punching numbers on a calculator, balancing a checkbook, monitoring the stock market or reading the New York Times.
  
  

FOR MORE GREAT IDEAS CHECK OUT THIS INSERVICE BELOW!

Talking Shop: Activity Ideas for Men Inservice - 50% OFF

This 60-90 minute introductory inservice 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 inservice 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. 50% price cut ONLY $9 (reg $18) sent via email (PDF) for you to download

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