Calling all men: better wellbeing is just a few steps away

Are you moving as much as you used to? If you’re an Australian male, the answer is probably no. Physical activity levels often decline with age — according to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, while more than 67% of males are getting enough physical activity between the ages of 45–54, that figure drops to 60% for males aged 55–64 and just above 47% for males aged over 65.

It’s easy to wave this away as a natural consequence of getting older, but physical activity is still very important in mid- and later life. After the age of about 35, we start losing muscle power and performance; in later decades, we start losing more bone than we build. The risk of a range of health conditions, including coronary heart disease and cancer, also increases.

Physical activity is crucial to reducing these risks and maintaining strength, mobility and physical health. But these physical benefits are just the beginning — regular physical activity is also associated with reduced risk of mental ill health, including lower rates of depression, and improved emotional wellbeing.

“While physical activity supports mental health for everyone, some benefits may be especially meaningful for men. Regular physical activity can help men manage stress from work, relationships, and social expectations, while also boosting mood, focus and resilience,” says Brendan Smith, a PhD candidate at the Curtin University School of Population Health.

Walk your way towards better social connection

Another often-overlooked outcome of physical activity is its impact on social health — that is, the wellbeing we experience as a result of our relationships with others. Because men are more likely to experience social isolation than women, particularly during life transitions like retirement, group-based physical activities can help build and maintain vital social connections.

The good news? Something as simple as getting out and moving your body in the company of others — such as joining a Heart Foundation Walking group — can help to maximise wellbeing at every stage of life. Heart Foundation Walking is one of Australia’s largest free walking programs, bringing together more than 600 groups across the country. No matter your age, fitness level or stage of life, there’s a Heart Foundation Walking group for you.

Just ask walker John Lemar, 74, who started walking in 2013 to better manage his weight and overall health. After discovering the Playford Ramblers, a Heart Foundation Walking group in Adelaide’s northern suburbs, John is now walking for an average of 15 kilometres per day. 

“I now feel really fit and alert and have met many people, [and] my GP and heart specialist are delighted with me!” he says. 

If you prefer to exercise solo, a Personal Walking Plan can help you reap many of the benefits of physical activity. These expert-designed six-week plans can be tailored to your current fitness level. And, when you take a mate with you or tack on a coffee catch-up at the end of your walk, you’ll get all the advantages of walking plus a healthy dose of human connection.

Change your habits — and your socks!

If you’ve been thinking about changing your physical activity habits, consider this the sign you’ve been waiting for. When you register for a Heart Foundation Walking group during Men’s Health Week (9–15 June) and until the end of July, you’ll go in the running to win a pair of Heart Foundation Walking socks — the perfect accessory to support your newfound walking habit.

Join a Heart Foundation Walking group today.