Men's Sheds--Sharing Knowledge and Learning in the Company of Men

Despite evidence of the benefits of learning for well-being across diverse groups, little is known about older men's experiences of learning, the factors that influence whether they choose to engage in learning activities and what role learning plays in their lives as they grow older. The present study examines the attitudes and learning behaviours of older men participating in Men's Sheds in Ireland. Our findings point to the importance of Men's Sheds as sites of informal learning that encourage the sharing of skills, knowledge and wisdom between older men. We conclude that Men's Sheds facilitate sensitive conversations between older men as they actively engage in constructing masculine behaviours and identities in later life. (A bibliography is included.)