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Exploring ageing and time as resources in men's mental health experiences

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  25 March 2021

Kerstin Roger Open the ORCID record for Kerstin Roger [Opens in a new window] ,
Rachel Herron Open the ORCID record for Rachel Herron [Opens in a new window] ,
Mairo Ahmadu ,
Jonathan A. Allan  and
Candice M. Waddell
Kerstin Roger*
Affiliation:
Department of Community Health Sciences, Rady College of Medicine, Max Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
Rachel Herron
Affiliation:
Department of Geography, Brandon University, Brandon, Manitoba, Canada
Mairo Ahmadu
Affiliation:
Rural Community Health Lab, Brandon University, Brandon, Manitoba, Canada
Jonathan A. Allan
Affiliation:
Gender and Women's Studies, Brandon University, Brandon, Manitoba, Canada
Candice M. Waddell
Affiliation:
Faculty of Health Studies, Brandon University, Brandon, Manitoba, Canada
*
*Corresponding author. Email: Kerstin.Roger@umanitoba.ca
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Abstract

While research on men's mental health is increasing, it has not typically focused on the intersections between ageing, masculinity and mental health in a rural context. Given the significant increase not only in our global ageing population, but also our growing awareness of mental health problems in the general population, understanding men as they grow older in relation to mental health is a notable gap in research. In this paper, the authors explore the ageing experiences of male participants over 50 with self-identified mental health problems in rural Manitoba. We draw on semi-structured qualitative interviews from a larger project which focused on the diversity of rural men's perceptions, experiences and expressions of mental health and wellness. Specifically, we explore how these men reflect on their mental health and wellness. Participants in the study described their experiences as a cumulative process of making meaning, developing strategies, resources and a more positive sense of self – but sometimes also simply for survival. Men's sense of time over time – looking back and reflecting on the present and the future – appears to be a critical resource and a positive coping strategy for these men associated with ageing. The main themes include sustaining relationships; work, retirement and volunteering; and reflections on physical and emotional health. Our paper concludes with a discussion of the implications for new research on ageing men's mental health in a rural context.

Keywords

ageingmenruralmental healthlifespanCanadacommunitydepression
Type
Article
Information
Ageing & Society , Volume 42 , Issue 12 , December 2022 , pp. 2854 - 2868
Copyright
Copyright © The Author(s), 2021. Published by Cambridge University Press

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