Did you know that on average men’s lives are five years shorter than women’s? Once men leave their jobs and work place, lose their life’s mate and Ohana they become bored, inactive, lonely and isolated, paying scant attention to health and well being. The result can be depression, unattended health issues and shortened lives.

In Australia in 1997, a conference to address the health issues of older men culminated in the founding of the first Men’s Shed. There are now more than 1000 Men’s Sheds in Australia and some 2000 Men’s Sheds worldwide.

Kupuna Sheds create a space where men can pursue meaningful, creative interests and can socialize with other guys. They come to see what it’s all about and stay because it’s fun. They get involved in an intriguing activity, find guys they can talk story with, or just like hanging out with others.

Kupuna Sheds have helped thousands of retired and senior men & women share their skills, laughter, and efforts on individual and group projects. Instead of living lonely, isolated, sedentary homebound lives, these men create a welcoming and productive club to bond with one another. They often benefit the community by constructing neighborhood projects. And by the way, the wives of these retired men often become the strongest advocates of Kupuna Sheds.

Ours is the first Shed in the U.S. and the first in Hawaii, and it’s just the beginning! We plan to help others start new Sheds in other communities. We’ve already helped organize the U.S. Men’s Shed Association and are receiving inquiries from all over the U.S. from men interested in starting their own shed. It’s an exciting time, and a fulfilling project!