Last week at our ShedFest West gathering in Edmonton, we had the opportunity to share new national research on Men’s Sheds and men’s wellbeing—highlighting what many Shedders already know from experience: Men’s Sheds help turn isolation into connection.
Led by Dr. Raza Mirza, COO of HelpAge Canada and Assistant Professor (Status), University of Toronto, Institute for Life Course and Aging, the research draws on a national survey of Men’s Shed participants across Canada and offers important insight into how Sheds are supporting older men at a time when social isolation and loneliness remain significant challenges.
Research Highlights
- 65.9% of participants reported experiencing loneliness or social isolation before joining a Men’s Shed
- 74.3% report a strong sense of belonging after joining
- 58.1% report improved mental wellbeing
- 50.3% report improved mood
- 46.1% report receiving mental health support or advice through their Shed
Together, these results highlight the powerful role Men’s Sheds play in helping men build connection, find purpose, and support one another in everyday, non-clinical ways.
Why this matters
Across Canada, there is growing attention on men’s and boys’ health—particularly the need to address isolation, mental health, and healthy aging.
Men’s Sheds offer a practical, community-based response. They are places where men connect side by side, build trust over time, and look out for one another—often without it being labelled as “health support,” but with very real outcomes.
This is what many describe as “health by stealth”—and it’s what makes Sheds so effective.
Watch the panel discussion
The research was presented as part of the “Health by Stealth” panel at ShedFest West, alongside perspectives from Catherine Corriveau, Policy Director at Movember Canada, and Karen McDonald, Executive Director at Sage Seniors Association.