Any Questions?
Men’s Health Week: Supporting Men’s Physical, Mental and Social Wellbeing
FOCUS Connect • 20 May 2026
Men’s Health Week is an important reminder for men, families and communities to pause, check in and start conversations that can make a real difference.
In 2026, Men’s Health Week in Australia runs from 15 to 21 June. The week is designed to raise awareness of the health challenges faced by men and boys, and to encourage action that supports better physical, mental and emotional wellbeing.
But men’s health is not just about booking a check-up or waiting until something feels wrong.
It is about whole-person wellbeing. That includes physical health, mental health, emotional well-being, social connection, preventative care, independence, relationships and quality of life.
For older men, health concerns may be dismissed as “just getting older”, appointments may be delayed, and symptoms may be ignored because they feel uncomfortable talking about. Families may notice small changes before a man raises them himself, such as tiredness, withdrawal, mood changes, reduced mobility, or reluctance to attend regular check-ups. Therefore, these conversations can be especially important.
Men’s Health Week gives us a timely reason to talk about these issues with care, respect and practical support.
Why Men’s Health Week matters
Men in Australia face a range of health challenges across the life course. The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare notes that men’s health is shaped by biological factors, lifestyle, social environments and access to care. These factors can affect how men experience illness, how early they seek help and what support they receive.
The Australian Government’s National Men’s Health Strategy 2020–2030 aims to improve the health and well-being of men and boys, particularly those at greatest risk of poor health, and to reduce health inequities between different groups.
This matters because men’s health is connected to families, workplaces, communities and ageing well. When men feel supported in looking after their health, they are better able to stay active, connected, independent, and involved in the lives of the people who matter to them.
Men’s health is more than physical health
It can be easy to think of men’s health as being mainly about physical checks, such as blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes screening or prostate health.
Those checks are important. Planned health checks should form part of how people manage their health, and regular screening can help identify risks early.
But men’s health also includes:
Mental and emotional well-being
Stress, anxiety, depression, grief, loneliness, relationship pressures, caring responsibilities and major life changes can all affect health.
Social connection
Connections with family, friends, culture, community, and meaningful activities can support well-being.
Social isolation and loneliness are increasingly recognised as important health issues in Australia, with AIHW reporting that loneliness is linked to poorer physical and mental health and greater psychological distress.
Independence and confidence
For older men, staying well can help maintain mobility, daily routines, confidence, choice, and the ability to live safely at home.
Cultural safety and access
Some men, including those from culturally and linguistically diverse communities, may face language, cultural or system barriers when accessing health information or services. FOCUS Connect recognises the importance of inclusive, respectful and
culturally safe support for individuals and families.
The role of regular health checks
Preventative health care can help identify health concerns before they become more serious. For older men, health checks are not only about detecting illness. They can also support independence, dignity and quality of life.
Depending on a person’s age, health history and risk factors, a GP may discuss checks for:
- Heart health
- Blood pressure
- Cholesterol
- Diabetes
- Bowel cancer screening
- Skin checks
- Vision and hearing
- Bone health and falls risk
- Mental health and emotional well-being
- Medication reviews
- Continence and urinary symptoms
- Prostate health
FOCUS Connect’s related blog, Essential Health Checks for Older Men: Staying Well, Staying Independent, explores how regular checks can help older men maintain mobility, independence and overall quality of life. It also highlights that some men may need extra support to overcome barriers such as language, stigma or lack of awareness about preventative care.
For families, one of the most helpful things you can do is encourage regular GP appointments before a concern becomes urgent.
A simple question can help start the conversation:
“When was your last check-up?”
Prostate health: why the conversation matters
Prostate health is an important part of men’s health, particularly as men age.
Cancer Australia estimates that prostate cancer will be the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australia in 2025, with an estimated 28,868 new cases and 3,975 deaths. It also reports that prostate cancer is estimated to account for 30% of all new male cancer cases in 2025.
That does not mean every urinary change is cancer. Many prostate and urinary symptoms can be caused by non-cancerous conditions. But changes should still be checked by a doctor.
Men should speak with their GP if they notice:
- Difficulty starting or stopping urination
- Weak or interrupted urine flow
- Frequent urination, especially at night
- Pain or burning when urinating
- Blood in urine or semen
- Pain in the lower back, hips or pelvis
FOCUS Connect’s blog, Understanding Prostate Cancer: What Every Man Needs to Know, explains that prostate cancer often has no symptoms in the early stages, which is why awareness and conversations with a GP are important. It also notes that men at average risk should discuss screening options from age 50, while men with a family history or higher risk may need to begin these conversations earlier.
The key message is simple: do not wait in silence. If something changes, get it checked.
Mental health and emotional well-being
Men’s Health Week is also a reminder that mental health is health.
Many men experience stress, grief, loneliness, relationship challenges, financial pressure or changes in identity after retirement, illness, caring responsibilities or the loss of independence. Some men may find it difficult to talk about how they are feeling, especially if they have grown up believing they need to cope alone.
In 2024, the Australian Bureau of Statistics reported 3,326 deaths classified as suicide in Australia after preliminary revision, with support services including Lifeline, Suicide Call Back Service, and Men's Line Australia listed for people who need help.
Families and friends can play an important role by noticing changes and checking in early.
Signs that someone may need extra support can include:
- Withdrawing from family, friends or activities
- Changes in sleep or appetite
- Increased irritability, sadness or worry
- Loss of interest in things they usually enjoy
- Increased alcohol or substance use
- Talking about feeling like a burden
- Avoiding appointments or everyday responsibilities
If you are worried about someone, choose a private moment and ask gently. You do not need to have the perfect words. You can start with:
- “I’ve noticed you haven’t seemed yourself lately. How are you really going?”
- “Would you like me to come with you to the GP?”
- “You do not have to manage this on your own.”
For emotional health and relationship concerns, MensLine Australia provides free professional support to men anywhere in Australia, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, on 1300 789 978.
If someone is in immediate danger or at risk of harm, call 000. For crisis support, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.
Social connection is part of staying well
Health is not only measured in test results. It is also reflected in whether a person feels connected, valued and supported.
For older men, social connections can change over time. Retirement, bereavement, illness, reduced mobility, transport challenges or caring responsibilities can all affect how often someone gets out, sees friends or participates in community life.
Loneliness and social isolation are not the same thing, but both can affect well-being. AIHW explains that social isolation refers to having few social relationships or infrequent social contact, while loneliness is the distressing feeling of lacking connection or satisfying relationships.
Families can support connection by encouraging small, realistic steps:
- Sharing a regular meal
- Going for a short walk together
- Helping arrange transport to appointments or activities
- Encouraging participation in community groups
- Checking in by phone
- Supporting hobbies, volunteering or social programs
- Asking what matters to the person, rather than assuming
At FOCUS Connect, connection is central to how we support people and communities. For many older people, staying connected to culture, language, community and familiar routines can support confidence and wellbeing.
Why the numbers matter
Recent AIHW data shows why Men’s Health Week is an important reminder for men and families to take health seriously:
- 3 in 5 males were living with at least one of the selected long-term health conditions in 2022.
- Nearly 1 in 5 men aged 16 to 85 experienced a mental illness in the previous 12 months.
- 71% of men aged 18 and over are living with overweight or obesity.
- Only 40% of eligible men invited completed a bowel screening test in 2022 to 2023.
- Prostate cancer accounted for 28%
of all cancers in males in 2024.
These numbers are not about creating fear. They are a reminder that early conversations, regular check-ups, screening and support can help men stay well, connected and independent.
How families can support men’s health
Families do not need to have all the answers. Often, the most important role is to notice, listen and encourage early support.
Here are practical ways families can help:
Start the conversation without judgement
Avoid blaming or pressuring. A calm question is often more effective than a lecture.
Encourage regular GP visits
Offer to help book the appointment, write down questions or attend together if the person wants support.
Talk about health as independence
For some men, the motivation may not be “health” itself, but staying independent, driving, gardening, walking, working, helping family or living at home.
Notice small changes
Changes in mood, appetite, memory, hygiene, sleep, mobility or social habits can be signs that extra support is needed.
Make it practical
Transport, language support, appointment reminders and help understanding health information can remove barriers.
Respect choice and dignity
Support should involve the person, not take over. Ask what they want, what they are worried about and what would help.
A useful Men’s Health Week checklist
This Men’s Health Week, men and families can use this simple checklist as a starting point:
- Book a GP check-up if one is overdue.
- Ask about blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes risk.
- Discuss prostate health and any urinary changes.
- Check whether bowel cancer screening is up to date.
- Talk about sleep, stress, mood and emotional well-being.
- Review medications with a GP or pharmacist.
- Check vision, hearing, falls risk and mobility.
- Reconnect with one person, group or activity.
- Ask for support if daily life at home is becoming harder.
- One step is enough to begin.
How FOCUS Connect can help
Based in Campbelltown and supporting the community across south west Sydney and northern Sydney suburbs, FOCUS Connect is a not-for-profit that supports individuals, families and communities, including people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. We are also an approved My Aged Care provider.
Our aged care and community services are built around dignity, inclusion and connection. For older men, that can mean support to stay independent at home, remain connected to the community, and navigate services and access care that respect their needs, culture, and goals.
Men’s Health Week is a reminder that care is not only about responding when something goes wrong. It is also about prevention, early conversations and the right support at the right time.
Frequently Asked Questions About Men's Health
When is Men's Health Week in Australia?
Men's Health Week runs annually in the third week of June. The week is designed to raise awareness of the health challenges faced by men and boys and to encourage action that supports better physical, mental and emotional wellbeing.
What health checks should men over 50 have?
Men over 50 should discuss with their GP checks for blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, bowel cancer screening, prostate health, skin checks, vision and hearing, bone health, and mental and emotional wellbeing. Regular medication reviews are also recommended. The earlier health concerns are identified, the easier they are to manage.
How can I support an older man's mental health?
Choose a private moment and ask gently how he is really going. Notice changes in mood, sleep, appetite, social withdrawal or loss of interest in activities he usually enjoys. Offer to come with him to a GP appointment. Remind him he does not have to manage on his own. MensLine Australia provides free professional support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on 1300 789 978.
What are the warning signs that a man may need mental health support?
Signs include withdrawing from family, friends or activities, changes in sleep or appetite, increased irritability or sadness, loss of interest in things he usually enjoys, increased alcohol use, or talking about feeling like a burden. If you are worried, check in early. You do not need the perfect words to start a conversation.
Why is prostate health important for older men?
Prostate cancer is estimated to be the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australian men in 2025, with around 28,868 new cases expected. Many men have no symptoms in the early stages, which is why regular conversations with a GP are important. Men at average risk should discuss screening from age 50, while those with a family history may need to start earlier.
How does social connection affect men's health?
Social isolation and loneliness are increasingly recognised as serious health issues. For older men, retirement, bereavement, reduced mobility and caring responsibilities can all affect how connected they feel. Staying connected through regular meals, walks, community groups or phone calls with friends and family supports both physical and mental wellbeing.
Final thoughts
Men’s health is more than a check-up.
It is physical, mental, emotional and social well-being working together to help men live well, stay connected and maintain independence.
This Men’s Health Week, we encourage men and families to start one conversation, book one appointment or take one practical step towards better health.
Small steps can protect well-being, dignity and quality of life.
For more information about FOCUS Connect services, contact us on
02 4627 1188
or visit the FOCUS Connect website.
FOCUS Connect, a registered not-for-profit charity, provides practical assistance and support services to disadvantaged and marginalised individuals. As a My Aged Care provider, we offer Support at Home and Commonwealth Home Support Programme services across South West and Northern Sydney. Additionally, we are a leading provider of community services to multicultural and culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) populations across South West Sydney.
Need Support or Know Someone Who Does?
If you need support, call us at 02 4627 1188 or contact us via our online enquiry form, and we will get back to you shortly to discuss your needs and how we can assist you. If you know someone who could benefit from our services, refer them to FOCUS Connect to help them receive the support they need and deserve.
