MEMAH extends the definition of men’s health to include quality of life. What is quality of life? It is the degree to which a man enjoys the important possibilities of his life. It’s a way of life that encompasses family values, working relationships, community life, leisure pursuits and personal education. Quality of life includes the enjoyment that a man gets from interacting in the world around him.
These social connections impact the quality of a man’s life in ways every bit as powerful as good diet and daily exercise. Here are three major areas of life to consider:
Physical Being
Breathing, eating, drinking
“Life machine” of cells, tissues and organs
Psychological Being
How thoughts and emotions are processed
Awareness and consciousness of one’s actions
Spiritual Being
The connection to one’s eternal light, soul or a higher power.
Physical Belonging
Association with the neighborhood I live in or the places I visit
Social Belonging
Ties and bonds to family, friends, spouse or a special person.
Cultural activities
Community Belonging
Being able to participate in services (church, medical, schools)
Giving back or reinvesting into your community
Memberships to various social organizations, internet groups
Practical Becoming
Doing things around my house.
Working at a job you enjoy or going to school to pursuit your dreams.