The annual week, from June 10 to 16, is a male health initiative encouraging men to take a proactive approach to their health.

Port Macquarie Men's Shed member Brian Calbert, 88, makes musical instruments. He said men's health was all about keeping active.

"Woodwork has been my trade and I came back to it when I retired," Mr Calbert said.

"It's been something to do, making ukuleles, guitars and this electric double bass.

"It keeps you active and keeps the mind active. I'll keep going for a few more years yet."

Vice president of the Men's Shed, John Bradley, said he'd invested time in creating and socialising at the Shed to stay active.

"It just gives me something to do. I enjoy the company and repairs," Mr Bradley said.

"When I retired I didn't want to be doing nothing.

"I've known so many people who have retired and done nothing.

"Your mind goes and you give up on things in life, it's so common.

"Next to being married and having kids, this has been the best thing I've done."

Men have an average life expectancy of 79 years in Australia, compared to 84 years for women.

Sixty per cent of deaths for trachea and lung cancers are male, 75 per cent of suicides are male and 58 per cent of deaths from blood and lymph cancers are male, according to 2016 data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

Men's Shed president Dennis Woods said being productive in the community is important for well being, but is also a way for men to check on each other.

"Remaining active in the community gives us something to focus on," Mr Woods said.

"Many men have had desk jobs and when they retire lose that purpose.

"Keeping involved in something keeps the brain active, it keeps you alive.

"If you're continually learning then you're not sitting around waiting for the end.

"Men don't usually talk face to face, they prefer to talk side by side while working."

Exercise and Sports Science Australia accredited exercise physiologist, Daniel Berkelmans, said many men were significantly less active in later life, at the risk of their health.

"Being physically active has a positive impact on mood and helps to manage stress and anxiety," Mr Berkelmans said.

"Even a small dose of exercise can have a big impact on your mental health.

"Regular physical activity helps to maintain a healthy body weight and reduce the risk of many chronic conditions and injuries.

"A high level of cardio-respiratory fitness is one of the best predictors of overall health and well being."

Australian Men's Shed Association executive officer David Helmers said most blokes understood the consequences of poor vehicle maintenance but overlooked their own health.

"There's still a great deal of stigma around many men's health issues," Mr Helmers said.

"Men's Health Week is an opportunity for us to encourage men to take notice and play an active part in maintaining good health and well being."

The association uses a 'Spanner in the Works?' health and well being campaign to advocate for a proactive approach to positive health and annual check-ups with a local GP.

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