Chen I-Chun, Phanumartwiwath Anuchit
College of Public Health Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand.
Thai-Chinese International School of Management, University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce, Bangkok, Thailand.
Australas J Ageing. 2025 Jun;44(2):e70041. doi: 10.1111/ajag.70041.
This study explored how Repair Cafés in Düsseldorf, Germany, enhance older men's social engagement, well-being and purpose postretirement by providing skill-sharing, mentorship and inclusive community spaces.
A qualitative approach was adopted, involving participant observations, a focus group discussion with six participants and an analysis of global Repair Café reports and activity records. Thematic analysis identified key patterns in participants' experiences, focusing on community support, traditional masculinity reinforcement and psychological well-being.
Three prominent themes emerged from the analysis. First, Community Support and Engagement was evident as Repair Cafés significantly reduced isolation and fostered connections among individuals from diverse cultural and professional backgrounds. This initiative not only promoted camaraderie but also advanced environmental sustainability. Second, the theme of Re-engaging Skills and Identity was notable, as participants could maintain traditional masculine identities through hands-on repairs and mentorship, which helped reinforce their sense of competence and value. Lastly, Fostering Psychological Well-being and Purpose was a key aspect, with engagement in purposeful activities providing participants with a sense of accomplishment, reducing feelings of loneliness and strengthening their autonomy.
Repair Cafés exemplify community-based interventions that address ageing challenges by promoting social inclusion, resilience and psychosocial health. Policymakers should support such initiatives to mitigate social isolation, enhance well-being and foster sustainable community engagement.
本研究探讨了德国杜塞尔多夫的修理咖啡馆如何通过提供技能分享、指导和包容性社区空间，增强老年男性退休后的社会参与度、幸福感和生活目标。
采用定性研究方法，包括参与观察、与六名参与者进行焦点小组讨论，以及分析全球修理咖啡馆报告和活动记录。主题分析确定了参与者经历中的关键模式，重点关注社区支持、传统男子气概的强化和心理健康。
分析得出三个突出主题。首先，社区支持与参与很明显，因为修理咖啡馆显著减少了孤立感，并促进了来自不同文化和职业背景的个人之间的联系。这一举措不仅促进了同志情谊，还推动了环境可持续性。其次，重新参与技能和身份认同这一主题值得注意，因为参与者可以通过实际修理和指导来维持传统男性身份，这有助于增强他们的能力感和价值感。最后，促进心理健康和生活目标是一个关键方面，参与有意义的活动让参与者有成就感，减少孤独感，并增强他们的自主性。
修理咖啡馆是基于社区的干预措施的典范，通过促进社会包容、恢复力和心理社会健康来应对老龄化挑战。政策制定者应支持此类举措，以减轻社会孤立感、增强幸福感并促进可持续的社区参与。
