This Men’s Health Week 2025 (June 9–15), we’re focusing on something vital: your health matters, and you deserve the support to live your best life. Whether you’re managing a physical disability, chronic condition, or facing unique health challenges, this week is about taking charge of your wellbeing—one step at a time.
In This Article
- Why Men’s Health Week Matters for Men with Disability
- The Health Landscape: What You Need to Know
- Five Practical Ways to Take Charge of Your Health
- Taking the First Step
- How Ability Assist Can Support Your Health Journey
Why Men’s Health Week Matters for Men with Disability
Men’s Health Week is more than just awareness—it’s a call to action. Hosted by the Australian Men’s Health Forum, this internationally recognised week highlights the unique health challenges men face, particularly those living with disability.
The reality is that men with disability face a perfect storm of health risks. These include chronic conditions like diabetes, stroke, and depression. You might encounter barriers when accessing healthcare—from inaccessible facilities to stigma from providers. And like many men, you might be less likely to seek help until a health issue becomes serious.
But here’s what’s important: awareness empowers action. Understanding these challenges isn’t about creating fear—it’s about giving you the knowledge to advocate for yourself, make informed choices, and live independently and confidently.
The Health Landscape: What You Need to Know
Physical Health Realities
If you’re living with disability in Australia, you’re not alone in facing physical health challenges. The majority of men with disability report musculoskeletal disorders as their primary concern—think arthritis (12.2%) and back problems (11.9%). These conditions often create a cascade effect: reduced mobility can lead to weight gain, cardiovascular issues, and a cycle that’s hard to break.
Chronic conditions are also more common. Men with disability have higher rates of diabetes, stroke, and obesity compared to those without disability. What makes this particularly challenging is that barriers to regular exercise, difficulties accessing healthcare, and medication side effects can make these conditions worse.
Even nutrition becomes more complex. Men with disability are nearly twice as likely to consume sugar-sweetened drinks daily (12% vs 7.2%), often due to limited cooking options, accessibility barriers, or simply because healthy food preparation can be more challenging.
Reference: Australian Bureau of Statistics
Mental Health Matters
Nearly one-quarter of people with disability report a mental health condition as their main health issue. For men with severe or profound disability, you’re more than twice as likely to experience mental health challenges compared to those with milder limitations.
Depression and anxiety aren’t just statistics—they’re real experiences that can compound physical health problems. Social isolation, economic pressures, and societal attitudes all contribute to these challenges. The concerning part? Depression in men with disability is both more common and more likely to go untreated.
The Prevention Gap
Here’s a hard truth: men, especially those with disability, are less likely to engage with preventive healthcare. You might wait until illness is advanced before seeking help, increasing the risk of late diagnosis for serious conditions like cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.
This isn’t about blame—it’s about understanding that additional barriers make preventive care more challenging. But it also means that when you do engage with healthcare, it can have an even greater impact.
Five Practical Ways to Take Charge of Your Health
This Men’s Health Week, let’s focus on actionable steps you can take, with Melbourne-based resources to get you started.
1. Check In with Your GP: “See Your GP” – This Year’s Theme
This year’s Men’s Health Week theme couldn’t be clearer. Even if you feel relatively healthy, booking a general check-up allows your doctor to run tests and screenings that might catch issues before they become problems.
Think of it as maintenance for your body—just like you’d service a car or check smoke alarms. Regular check-ups are particularly crucial if you’re at higher risk due to disability, but they’re also an opportunity to discuss any concerns, review medications, and plan for your ongoing health needs.
2. Stay Connected: Community is Medicine
Social connection isn’t just nice to have—it’s a protective factor for both mental and physical health. Isolation can compound health problems, while meaningful connections provide support, purpose, and even motivation to maintain healthy habits.
Melbourne Options to Explore:
- NDIS-funded community activities: Your plan may cover social and community participation programs. Examples include Yooralla.
- Men’s Sheds: Many locations are inclusive and accessible, offering opportunities to learn skills, work on projects, and build genuine friendships with other men.
3. Move Your Body: Every Movement Counts
Physical activity for men with disability isn’t about becoming an athlete—it’s about maintaining strength, managing pain, improving mood, and preserving independence. Movement helps reduce the risk of chronic diseases you’re already at higher risk for, supports daily living activities, and can significantly boost mental health.
The social benefits are equally important. Being active can help reduce stigma, provide opportunities for community participation, and simply be enjoyable.
Accessible Melbourne Options:
- Access for All Abilities (AAA Play): Connects you to accessible sport and recreation across Melbourne.
- RecWest Footscray: Offers accessible facilities and programs, including one-on-one training and group fitness with support person assistance.
- Optimal Care Australia NDIS Gym: State-of-the-art gym designed for all abilities, with adaptive equipment and NDIS-approved programs.
- Boroondara Sports Complex UFIT Program: 12-week group personal training program specifically for people with additional needs.
4. Fuel Up Right: Nutrition That Works for You
Good nutrition supports your immune system, helps you think clearly, reduces fatigue, and is crucial for managing chronic conditions. The challenge is making healthy eating accessible and sustainable within your circumstances.
NDIS Registered Services That Can Assist:
- Able Foods: NDIS-registered meal provider with over 140 chef-prepared, dietitian-designed options delivered to your home.
- The Good Meal Co.: NDIS participants pay only 20% of meal costs, with meals starting from $2.30 co-payment.
If you have support workers through your NDIS plan, they can also assist with meal planning, grocery shopping, and cooking in your own home. Talk to us if you want to find out more about how NDIS support workers can assist you with this.
5. Routine Matters: Structure as Your Foundation
Routine isn’t about rigid schedules—it’s about creating predictable patterns that support your health and wellbeing. Good routines reduce anxiety, reinforce healthy habits, build confidence, and support independence.
A solid routine might include consistent sleep and wake times, regular meals, medication schedules, physical activity, and social connections. The key is making it work for your specific needs and circumstances.
How Support Workers Can Help:
- Developing personalised daily or weekly schedules
- Supporting healthy habits like meal preparation and exercise routines
- Facilitating community participation and appointments
- Building independence in daily living skills
- Adapting routines when life changes occur
Taking the First Step
This Men’s Health Week, you don’t need to overhaul your entire life. Choose one area that resonates with you. Maybe it’s booking that overdue GP appointment, researching a local accessible gym, or reaching out to a community group.
Your health matters. You deserve support, connection, and the opportunity to live your best life. Every step you take—no matter how small—is a step toward better health and greater independence.
How Ability Assist Can Support Your Health Journey
At Ability Assist, we understand the unique health challenges people with disability face. Our NDIS-funded supports are designed to address your specific needs:
- Tailored support for daily routines and health goals
- Connecting you with community programs and activities
- Providing experienced, respectful support workers who understand your needs
- Culturally inclusive support that respects your identity and preferences
Ready to get started? Call Ability Assist on (03) 9306 1770 or contact us online. Let’s build a healthier, more connected future together.
Read More
