November: Supporting Men's Health

Every November, people across the UK and around the world come together to raise awareness for Men’s Health Awareness Month, a time dedicated to shining a light on the physical and mental health challenges that men can face.

From growing moustaches for Movember, to starting important conversations about health and wellbeing, November is all about encouraging men to take care of themselves, body and mind.

At Home Instead Newcastle-under-Lyme, we’re taking this opportunity to highlight the importance of supporting older men’s health, both physical and emotional.

Why Men’s Health Matters

Men often find it difficult to talk about their health or to seek help when something doesn’t feel right. This can be especially true for older men, who might have grown up in a time when conversations about health, especially mental health, were often avoided.

As men get older, they may face new or ongoing health challenges such as heart disease, prostate issues or reduced mobility. On top of that, life changes such as retirement, bereavement, or loss of independence can affect their confidence and emotional wellbeing.

Taking a proactive approach to health, through regular check-ups, staying active, and maintaining social connections, can make a real difference to quality of life.

Physical Health: Prevention and Early Detection

Many men delay seeing their GP about health concerns, often thinking, “it’s nothing” or “it’ll sort itself out”. But early detection is key, particularly for conditions such as prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and heart disease, all of which can be common in older men.

This month is the perfect time to:

• Book a check-up with your GP if you haven’t had one recently.
• Know the signs of common men’s health issues, and don’t ignore them.
• Stay active in ways that feel manageable, such as walking, gardening, or light exercise.
• Eat well and keep hydrated. Small lifestyle changes can have a big impact.

At Home Instead our Care Professionals often support clients to attend medical appointments, prepare nutritious meals, and keep up with the routines that help them to stay healthy and independent.

Mental Health: Breaking the Silence

Physical health and mental wellbeing go hand in hand. Yet, men, particularly older men, are less likely to talk about how they are feeling.

Loneliness, isolation or loss of purpose after retirement can take quite a toll. Many men find it difficult to open up, believing they have to “stay strong” or “keep things to themselves”. But mental health deserves the same attention and care as physical health.

At Home Instead Newcastle-under-Lyme, we know how powerful connection can be. A chat over a cup of tea, a shared hobby, or a regular visit can make a huge difference to how someone feels. Our Care Professionals are trained to spot changes in mood, and offer companionship that supports both emotional and physical wellbeing.

How Home Instead Newcastle-under-Lyme Supports Men’s Health

We take a whole-person approach to care, focusing not just on what a person needs support with, but what makes them feel valued, confident and engaged.

Here’s how we support men’s health in our local community:

• Companionship and conversation – building trust and connection through friendly, familiar faces.
• Encouraging physical activity – from short walks to gentle exercises, helping to stay mobile and independent.
• Supporting healthy living – from balanced meals to hydration reminders, promoting daily wellbeing.
• Involving hobbies and interests – whether it’s DIY, gardening, sports or local clubs, we can help to keep you active and engaged in what you love.
• Providing reassurance for families – offering peace of mind that loved ones are cared for, supported and not alone.

Let’s Keep the Conversation Going

This Men’s Health Awareness Month, let’s encourage the men in our lives, especially older men, to take time for their health, both body and mind.

Check in with a neighbour, pick up the phone to a friend, or remind a loved one to book that GP appointment they’ve been putting off.

Because caring for men’s health isn’t just about adding years to life, it’s about adding life to those years.

If you’d like to learn more about how Home Instead Newcastle-under-Lyme can support older men’s wellbeing, whether through companionship, practical help, or specialist care, we’re here to help.