Article By Diageo
To mark the partnership with DRINKiQ (Diageo’s alcohol moderation programme), we worked with Ipsos to design and conduct research to learn more about the habits of men over 50, gain a deeper understanding of their behaviour and learn about patterns of alcohol consumption.
The findings of the research, can be found HERE we also teamed up with Associate Professor Niamh McNamara, Social Psychologist at Nottingham Trent University to share her views and key points of interest.
Shrinking social connections
UK men aged 50-75 participating in UKMSA’s research are more likely to be an ‘empty nester’ (41%) and are more likely to have recently experienced the death of a close friend (49%). They also tend to have experienced divorce (26%) and job loss (60%). These life events put older adults at risk of social isolation and loneliness, which can negatively impact physical and mental health.
Although 72% of men in this age group reported they have more free time, over half (54%) reported spending less time with their social circle (which 56% also said was smaller) compared to 10 years ago. This accords with what research tells us about older men being at risk of social loneliness, i.e., they have smaller social networks than older women and often rely on their partners for socialising. Their social circles shrink further with age as the ways in which they used to connect with others (i.e., through work and physical activities) become less available to them. This certainly chimes with UKMSA’s data as men aged 50-75 reported feeling less active (56%) and less physically mobile/agile (60%) than they used to.
Loneliness
We know that the loss of important social relationships can impact quality of life and can even impact mortality risk as people age. Social isolation puts people at higher risk of heart attack and stroke and at higher risk of dying following a heart attack or stroke. Isolation and loneliness are also associated with greater risk of depression and dementia.
Alcohol Consumption
While most older men who participated in the research selected words with positive connotations when asked about their feelings: a significant minority reported feeling anxious (23%), stressed (20%), or worried (20%);1 in 5 (20%) reported consuming alcohol 4+ times per week; and 4 in 10 (42%) drink alcohol alone.
Social isolation removes important support in tough times
22% of men in this age group tend not to think about their mental health. They are also less likely to turn to sources of support outside a GP. Worryingly, men in this age group were more likely to indicate they would not seek advice or support for their mental well-being. This, combined with findings around drinking frequency and drinking alone (particularly among retirees and those who feel that they have too much free time spent alone) is especially concerning. Not reaching out might indicate a fear of being a burden or appearing vulnerable.
The power of community – Crafting connection
Men in this age group may underestimate the benefits they could get from participation in community groups like Men’s Sheds. This age group were less likely to see such groups as beneficial for their mental well-being (56% vs. 74% among younger men). They overwhelmingly agreed (74%) that community groups are beneficial to “people in society with less social support than others” but tended not to believe that such groups “are for people like me” (with only 26% agreeing with this statement). This is despite the data suggesting they have limited social circles and limited sources of support. Retirees in this age group were less likely than those working to see community groups as “for them”.
This may suggest that community groups are perceived as groups for those dealing with a difficult or challenging time in relation to their wellbeing. Some research on older men’s perceptions of community groups (particularly those that address isolation/loneliness) is that they indicate vulnerability or a need to be cared for. Particularly for older adults/retirees, this can bring to mind the stereotype of the “lonely old man” which they will try to distance themselves from.
However, community groups, such as Men’s Sheds, can provide a range of benefits to their members. Alongside the health benefits that come with increased social connectivity, they can offer an opportunity to share knowledge and skills and to contribute to the community. This can be especially helpful for retirees, who can often find a new sense of purpose in such groups, a structure to their daily lives (which is often lost on retirement), or an opportunity to continue the skills they developed in their working lives.
To find out more about the partnership and learn more about the DRINKiQ offering, please visit drinkiq.com/menonamission.
Professor Niamh McNamara is a distinguished expert in Social Psychology, specialising in the study of group identities, health, and social wellbeing. She leads the Groups, Identities, & Health Research Group and has collaborated with UKMSA on its latest report conducted with Ipsos, bringing invaluable insights into the life-stage and age-related challenges confronting older men. Professor McNamara’s research highlights the transformative power of community spaces like Men’s Sheds, where shared purpose and social support serve as crucial buffers against loneliness and declining mental health. She offers expert commentary on the importance of these outlets as part of the DRINKiQ campaign, exploring how community solutions can play a pivotal role in supporting men’s mental and emotional wellbeing through life’s transitions