Origin of man: Watching and playing sport is good for men's health

In a week when the supremely fit men of league defend the honour of their origin, men's health researchers at the University of Western Sydney say all Australian blokes could boost their own wellbeing by just watching the game at home with mates and playing a bit of local sport at weekends.

This year 'Origin Week' coincides with International Men's Health Week (13-19 June) - when the floodlights spill from the sports arena to highlight the challenges facing all males.

The State of Origin showcases some of Australia's best male athletes in action and highlights the importance of physical fitness, training, good health and team work to achieve goals. Unfortunately, Australian males still face a life expectancy five years shorter than females, but taking cues from elite and amateur sportsmen alike, there are some simple measures blokes can take to improve their health and wellbeing.

A study by Dr Neil Hall, from the UWS School of Social Sciences, has found men and boys are getting much more from playing in their local sports matches than just physical fitness.

"Sport provides a way for men and boys to connect with each other, to form broad social networks and build a sense of belonging. It is about mateship but also much more," says Dr Hall.
"Positive social connections and feeling you are a valued member of the community are increasingly recognised as key factors in determining health outcomes much the same as physical indicators such as blood pressure, cholesterol or weight."
The study tracked the experiences of a group of young males aged 16 to 25 who play sport in Western Sydney.
Dr Hall found sport helps to build self worth and provides positive community recognition for males, particularly young men.
"Participating in sport is an effective way for young men to engage with society - a means of contributing to the life of their community and to be positively recognised and acknowledged by their community," he says.
Mr Anthony Brown from the University of Western Sydney's Men's Health Information and Resource Centre (MHIRC) says, "even just getting your mates together to watch the State of Origin or any other sporting match has benefits for men's health and wellbeing."
"The footy game provides the opportunity to hang out with friends which can be a great way to boost your wellbeing. The camaraderie helps to strengthen social connections which are essential to good health.
Mr Brown says improving the health outcomes for Australian males is much more than biology, medicine and psychology.
"The National Male Health Policy recognises the social determinants of health - employment, access to good housing, community connections, family support - are equally important to meeting the challenge of improving male life expectancy to match that of females," he says.
Based in the UWS School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, the Men's Health Information and Resource Centre designs, develops and supports research and projects which contribute to the enhancement of the health and well-being of men and boys across every aspect of their lives from personal to family, work and the community.

Provided by University of Western Sydney