Understanding the appeal of the manosphere

Clinical Psychologist Dr Mandeep Bachu draws on his clinical practice…

29 April 2026


I've been noticing a pattern in my clinical work with younger men. They don't usually come in talking about the internet or the manosphere. They come in describing a more general sense of being stuck or unsure what direction to take. It's only later, sometimes almost in passing, that these online spaces start to appear.

Watching Louis Theroux's Netflix documentary Inside the Manosphere, I found myself thinking about those conversations. It would be easy to dismiss those being interviewed as cynical grifters exploiting young men, and to hope that exposing them will shame them into becoming better versions of themselves. A great deal of commentary on the manosphere begins and ends with condemnation. Its leading personalities are mocked, their ideas seen as absurd, and their audiences dismissed as either dangerous or pathetic. At its worst, young men can be labelled in ways that push them further into the very spaces being criticised.

The more interesting question for me is why so many young men are drawn to this material in the first place.
There's a market for this

If the brands on display in the documentary were built entirely on nonsense, they would not have the appeal they do. What struck me watching it was how closely this maps onto something familiar in psychology: most successful systems tend to organise themselves around a perceived absence.

This is clearest in the people who dominate the current landscape. In the documentary, for example, HSTikkyTokky is held up alongside Bonnie Blue – two figures who, on the surface, represent opposite ends of a gender divide, yet operate on a similar economic logic. Both have been accused of exploiting young men for profit. But focusing only on their behaviour risks missing the wider pattern.

In the case of HSTikkyTokky, his appeal seems to rest on offering something that many young men feel is lacking elsewhere: a sense of physical and social competence. In the case of Bonnie Blue, one could argue she represents an extreme version of sexual liberation merged with raw capitalism. They are, in different ways, responding to the same underlying confusion and turning it into something scalable.
Something real is being missed

The manosphere appeals because it speaks to needs that are real, even when the answers it provides are often distorted or unhelpful. Many young men seem uncertain about what is expected of them and what kind of life they are supposed to build.

In recent years there has been a great deal of cultural language devoted to female advancement, disadvantage, and empowerment, much of which has been necessary. But in clinical conversations, I've sometimes found that male struggle is more difficult to articulate or is handled more cautiously. It can be quickly pathologised or dismissed, rather than explored in its own terms.

Over the past few years there has also been a focus on 'toxic masculinity', and many things are too easily placed under that label. Going to the gym, being stoic, approaching a woman, or wanting to be confident, have sometimes been labelled as 'toxic'. As a consequence, the confusion many young men experience is not entirely imagined. They are told to be emotionally open, but not weak. Ambitious, but not threatening. Respectful, but still confident and assertive. Caring about appearance is acceptable up to a point, but too much concern with status or desirability is treated as shallow or regressive. They are told that older models of masculinity are anachronistic, but what is meant to replace them is vague at best.

All this leaves many young men frustrated, and open to anyone offering direction. The manosphere steps into that space with a much simpler account of how the world works. The problem is not that it invents reality, but that it narrows it to a crude worldview. It has the veneer of honesty compared to the softened language elsewhere and answers the right questions in the wrong way. It recognises status anxiety, romantic frustration, and uncertainty about identity, then compresses them into something too narrow to be healthy.
The business of insecurity

The manosphere is compelling because it offers agency. Many young men would rather hear a hard message that gives them something to do than a softer one that leaves them stuck. Improve yourself. Train harder. Earn more. Stop complaining. Take responsibility. That kind of message lands because it provides direction. It tells a young man that he can become someone else through effort and discipline.

But that same message that promises agency quietly builds a market around insecurity. Loneliness, rejection, low status, sexual inexperience, and the fear of being ordinary are packaged as problems to be solved. The audience is told it is failing, then sold a way out. Courses, communities, subscriptions, coaching, all organised around a simple promise: you do not have to remain invisible. What begins as self-improvement turns into a business model built on keeping that insecurity alive.

Many of these young men are not simply trying to acquire things. They are trying to become someone who is seen differently by others. Desire, in that sense, is not only about what you want, but about how you are perceived. This is close to what Jacques Lacan was pointing to: 'Man's desire is the desire of the Other'. We do not simply desire an object; we desire to be the object of another's desire.

The manosphere identifies this and offers a rigid script in response. Recognition is framed not as something that develops through relationships or community, but as something achieved through visible signals: money, dominance, sexual success. The difficulty is that this kind of recognition is inherently unstable. There is always someone with more status, more wealth, or more attention. What is presented as a solution to invisibility can become a different kind of anxiety, one that keeps people engaged but not necessarily settled.
Why it still holds appeal

Boys and young men have always looked outward to understand what kind of man to become. When that guidance feels unclear or unconvincing, they look elsewhere. What they often find are voices that speak with certainty, offering rules that feel more solid than anything in their immediate environment. Even when those models are limited, they still provide structure. In practice, I've found myself recognising that a flawed model can sometimes feel more usable than no model at all.

What I've had to rethink is the extent to which dismissal or critique alone is unlikely to be effective. The manosphere often begins with ideas that are not entirely unreasonable. Discipline matters. Physical strength matters. Passivity can be limiting. Its influence comes partly from mixing familiar truths with increasingly narrow conclusions.

If there is a meaningful response, it may involve being clearer about what we are offering in return. That could mean taking male distress more seriously in its own terms, being more precise in how we use concepts like 'toxicity', and offering forms of guidance that feel both realistic and psychologically grounded. The aim is not to legitimise everything these spaces promote, but to understand what they are responding to. Without that, it is difficult to offer an alternative that feels credible. Until something does, these spaces are likely to retain their pull.

SOURCE:

https://www.bps.org.uk/psychologist/understanding-appeal-manosphere(accessed 8.5.26)

The mental health of infants and toddlers

The mental health of infants and young children? Do we really have to worry about that at his age?

It can be strange to imagine a young child with anxiety, depression, or other mental health problems, but it can happen. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that in the United States alone, about 4.4 million children ages 3 to 17 have anxiety, about 1.9 children ages 2 to 7 years experience depression, and 6 million children in this same age group are diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). These statistics make it clear that mental health should be a primary goal of parents and caregivers, even for young children who have not reached school age.

Unfortunately, the younger population of infants and toddlers may not be getting the mental health checkups and help they need. This is primarily due to stigmas that make us believe that young children are immune to health struggles. However, statistics show that diagnoses of anxiety and depression in young children are increasing in recent years.
Why it’s never too early to work on mental health



Although babies and toddlers often seem carefree, they can also experience stressful situations. Research shows that children ages 0-5 can experience mental health problems, but these are often overlooked because of their age.

Infants and toddlers are at a critical stage, and their experiences shape their futures. It is essential to promote mental health from the moment a baby is born through affection, bonding, and security. The way parents and caregivers interact with young children and help them work through situations that affect their health can prepare them to deal effectively with stressful situations as they grow older.
Promoting Mental Health Beyond Childhood

Babies and young children may not understand mental health, but there is no doubt that they can feel great emotions. Here are some tips to promote mental health in your little one:
I know the emotional support they need

Children of all ages seek emotional support from their parents and caregivers. That’s why your baby calms down when you walk into the room and your toddler runs to you for a hug after a disagreement with a playmate. Try to be emotionally available to your baby with lots of smiles, hugs, and kind words.
Talk about emotions

Young children may begin to talk about emotions with you. You can help your child work through her emotions by labeling her feelings From her From him: “You feel disappointed that we can’t go to the park right now. I understand it”. You can also name your own emotions, explaining why you feel a certain way.
Set a good example

Being in tune with your own emotions can show your baby or toddler that there is nothing wrong with feeling them. But be aware of how you react to situations. Take deep breaths, meditate, or use any other technique you prefer to calm down and deal with your own emotions. It also helps your child learn to deal with her emotions (see our babySparks “Calming Bottle” and “ Building a Cozy Corner” activities for inspiration).
Get to know your child’s caregivers

Nursery and kindergarten employees, babysitters, friends, and family who are close to your child also play a role in their mental health. Make sure you choose loving and supportive caregivers.
Feed self-esteem

Building trust in your little one is a crucial step in fostering positive mental health. Offers many opportunities for age-appropriate independence. Be sure to praise their efforts. You can even stand in front of the mirror every morning with your child and name a few things that you like about him.

There are many ways to care for your child’s mental health early on, but if you notice signs of extreme anger, inconsolable crying, an inability or unwillingness to bond with caregivers, or frequent sadness, it’s a good idea to check with your pediatrician for guidance.


SOURCE:

https://awoc.org/anxiety-reduction/the-mental-health-of-infants-and-toddlers/(accessed 3.5.26)

Menopause Medically

Menopause is a point in time when a person has gone 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period. Menopause is a natural part of aging and marks the end of your reproductive years. On average, menopause happens at age 52.




Lynn Pattimakiel, MD, explains the common symptoms associated with menopause and the importance of monitoring them.

What is menopause?

Menopause is a point in time when you’ve gone 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period. It happens, on average, at age 52. It’s a natural process that occurs when your ovaries stop producing reproductive hormones. When menopause happens due to surgery or medical treatment, it’s called induced menopause.

Hormonal changes due to menopause can cause uncomfortable physical and emotional symptoms. There are treatments available to help with symptoms of menopause, like hormone therapy, medication or lifestyle adjustments.
What are the three stages of menopause?

Menopause is the permanent ending of menstruation. If it doesn’t happen because of any type of medical treatment or surgery, the process is gradual and happens in three stages:Perimenopause or “menopause transition:” Perimenopause can begin eight to 10 years before menopause when your ovaries gradually produce less and less estrogen. It usually starts when you’re in your 40s. You can be in perimenopause for several months or several years. Many people begin feeling symptoms like irregular periods, hot flashes and mood swings in perimenopause.
Menopause: Menopause is the point when you no longer have menstrual periods. At this stage, your ovaries don’t release eggs, and your body doesn’t produce much estrogen. A healthcare provider diagnoses menopause when you’ve gone without a period for 12 consecutive months. Unlike the other stages, menopause itself is a defined moment, so you don’t stay in this stage.
Postmenopause: This is the time after menopause. You stay in postmenopause for the rest of your life. While most symptoms of menopause ease up in postmenopause, you can continue to have mild menopausal symptoms for several years in postmenopause. People in the postmenopausal phase are at an increased risk for osteoporosis and heart disease due to low estrogen levels.
What is premature menopause?

Menopause, when it occurs between the ages of 45 and 55, is considered “natural” and is a normal part of aging. Menopause that occurs before the age of 45 is called early menopause. Menopause that occurs at 40 or younger is considered premature menopause. When there’s no medical or surgical cause for premature menopause, it’s called primary ovarian insufficiency.
What is the average age for menopause?

The average age of menopause in the United States is 52 years old. But the transition to menopause usually begins in your mid-40s.
How long does menopause last?

Menopause is a point in time, so you don’t stay in menopause. You reach it when you haven’t gotten a menstrual period for one year. Immediately after you reach menopause, you move into postmenopause. This stage lasts for the rest of your life.


Symptoms and Causes
There are several symptoms that may mean you’re transitioning into menopause.

What are the signs of menopause?

You may be transitioning into menopause if you begin experiencing some or all of the following symptoms:Irregular periods or periods that are heavier or lighter than usual
Hot flashes, also known as vasomotor symptoms (a sudden feeling of warmth that spreads over your body)
Night sweats and/or cold flashes
Vaginal dryness that causes discomfort during sex
Urinary urgency (a pressing need to pee more frequently)
Difficulty sleeping (insomnia)
Emotional changes (irritability, mood swings or depression)
Dry skin, dry eyes or dry mouth
Worsening premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
Breast tenderness

Some people might also experience:Racing heart
Headaches
Joint and muscle aches and pains
Changes in libido (sex drive)
Difficulty concentrating or memory lapses (often temporary)
Weight gain
Hair loss or thinning

Changes in your hormone levels cause these symptoms. Some people have intense symptoms of menopause, while others have mild symptoms. Not everyone will have the same symptoms as they transition to menopause.

Contact a healthcare provider if you’re unsure if your symptoms are related to menopause or another health condition.
How long do you have symptoms of menopause?

You can have symptoms of menopause for up to 10 years before it officially occurs. The average length of menopause symptoms is about seven years. Most women say their symptoms ease up or disappear completely once they reach postmenopause.
What makes menopause symptoms worse?

It depends on your symptoms. For example, if hot flashes and sweating are your main symptoms, you may want to avoid warm environments or stop eating spicy foods. If you have symptoms like anxiety or insomnia, you may find that relaxing activities like yoga or reading before bed help calm your mind and lead to a more peaceful sleep.

Some women find keeping a journal of symptoms helps them identify what causes their symptoms to worsen. Then, you can take steps to avoid certain activities that make your menopause symptoms worse.
How do I know if I’m in menopause?

You’ll know you’ve reached menopause when you’ve gone 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period. Contact your healthcare provider if you have any type of vaginal bleeding after menopause. Vaginal bleeding after menopause could be a sign of a more serious health issue.
Why does menopause happen?

When menopause happens on its own (natural menopause), it’s a normal part of aging. Menopause is defined as a complete year without menstrual bleeding, in the absence of any surgery or medical condition that may cause bleeding to stop, like hormonal birth control, chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Surgical removal of your ovaries will result in menopause if your surgeon removes both ovaries.

As you age, your reproductive cycle begins to slow down and prepares to stop. This cycle has been continuously functioning since puberty. As menopause nears, your ovaries make less estrogen. When this decrease occurs, your menstrual cycle (period) starts to change. It can become irregular and then stop.

Physical changes can also happen as your body adapts to different hormone levels. The symptoms you experience during each stage of menopause are all part of your body’s adjustment to these changes.
What hormonal changes happen during menopause?

The traditional changes we think of as “menopause” happen when your ovaries no longer produce high levels of hormones. Your ovaries produce the hormones estrogen and progesterone. Together, estrogen and progesterone control menstruation. Estrogen also influences how your body uses calcium and maintains cholesterol levels in your blood.

As menopause nears, your ovaries no longer release eggs, and you’ll have your last menstrual cycle.

Diagnosis and Tests

How is menopause diagnosed?

There are several ways your healthcare provider can diagnose menopause. The first is discussing your menstrual cycle over the last year. Menopause is unique in that your provider will diagnose it after it occurs. If you’ve gone a full year (12 straight months) without a period, you’ve entered menopause and are postmenopausal.

Blood tests that check certain hormone levels can suggest that you’ve reached menopause. Usually, though, blood work isn’t necessary. In some situations, blood tests can be misleading because so many hormonal fluctuations occur during the perimenopause stage. Your provider may want to check hormone levels if they suspect an underlying health condition may be causing your symptoms.

Management and Treatment

What are treatments for menopause?

Menopause is a natural process that your body goes through. In some cases, you may not need any treatment for it. When discussing treatment for menopause with your healthcare provider, it’s about treating the symptoms of menopause that disrupt your life. There are many different types of treatments for managing menopause symptoms. The main types are:Hormone therapy (HT). A term used for hormones offered to those going through menopause at natural ages (after age 45).
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT). The word replacement is added when using hormones to treat menopause which occurs at a young age, especially before age 40.
Nonhormonal treatments.

It’s important to talk to your provider while you’re going through menopause to craft a treatment plan that works for you. Every person is different and has unique needs. People experiencing menopause before age 40 should be offered hormone replacement therapy, except in rare circumstances (such as a personal history of breast cancer at a young age).
What is hormone therapy for menopause like?

During menopause, your body goes through major hormonal changes — decreasing the amount of hormones it makes. When your ovaries no longer make enough estrogen and progesterone, hormone therapy can make up for lost hormones. Hormone therapy boosts your hormone levels and can help with symptoms like hot flashes and vaginal dryness. It can also help prevent osteoporosis.

There are two main types of hormone therapy:Estrogen therapy (ET): In this treatment, you take estrogen alone. Your provider prescribes it in a low dose. Estrogen comes in many forms, such as a patch, pill, cream, vaginal ring, gel or spray. Estrogen therapy can’t be used alone (without a progestogen) if you still have a uterus.
Estrogen progestogen therapy (EPT): This treatment is also called combination therapy because it uses doses of estrogen and a hormone similar to progesterone. Progesterone is available in its natural form or also as a progestin (a synthetic form of progesterone). Progestogen is a general name for treatments that can include both natural progesterone and synthetic progestins. This type of hormone therapy is for those who still have their uteruses.

There are risks to hormone therapy. Talk to your provider about the risks and benefits and whether hormone therapy is an option for you based on your health history, age and other factors.
What are nonhormonal treatments for menopause?

Though hormone therapy is an effective method for relieving menopause symptoms, it’s not the perfect treatment for everyone. Nonhormonal treatments include things like lifestyle changes and nonhormonal medications. These treatments are often good options for women who have medical reasons to avoid estrogen, including a personal history of blood clots or receiving breast cancer treatment. Some of the nonhormonal treatments that your provider may recommend include:Changing what you eat
Avoiding triggers to hot flashes
Getting regular physical activity or exercise
Joining support groups
Prescription medications
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
Hypnotherapy
Changing what you eat and drink

Sometimes, changing what you eat can help relieve menopause symptoms. Limiting the amount of caffeine you consume daily and cutting back on spicy foods can make your hot flashes less severe. You can also eat more foods that contain phytoestrogens (nutrients that have estrogen-like properties in the human body). Foods to try include:Soybeans
Chickpeas
Lentils
Flaxseed
Grains
Beans
Fruits
Vegetables
Avoiding triggers for hot flashes

Certain things in your daily life may trigger hot flashes. To help relieve your symptoms, try to identify these triggers and work around them. This could include keeping your bedroom cool at night, wearing layers of clothing or quitting smoking. Maintaining a weight that’s healthy for you can also help with hot flashes.
Exercising

Exercise can be difficult if you’re dealing with hot flashes, but getting regular physical activity can help relieve several other symptoms of menopause. Any type of physical activity is good for you, even yard work or swimming laps in a pool. Calm, tranquil types of movement like yoga can also help with your mood and relieve anxiety.
Joining support groups

Talking to other women who are also transitioning to menopause can be a great relief for many people. Joining a support group can give you an outlet for the many emotions running through your head and may also help answer questions you may not even know you have. Be careful about joining groups that are not led by a menopause specialist.
Taking prescription medications

There are nonhormonal prescriptions you can get from your healthcare provider that improve menopause symptoms. Some of them are:Birth control pills to help balance hormones
Antidepressants (SSRIs and SNRIs) to manage symptoms like mood swings and hot flashes
Gabapentin (a seizure medication) or fezolinetant to treat hot flashes
Oxybutynin. A medication for overactive bladder that also treats hot flashes
Vaginal creams and lubricants to help with vaginal dryness

Speak with your provider to see if nonhormonal medications could help manage symptoms.

Outlook / Prognosis

What is the best thing to do for menopause?

Everyone experiences menopause differently. Because it’s so unique, there isn’t one best thing you can do for it. There are many different approaches to treating bothersome symptoms of menopause. What works for you may not work for your sister or best friend.

Talk to your healthcare provider about your symptoms and let them recommend what’s best based on your situation.
What are the health risks of menopause?

You’re at higher risk for conditions like osteoporosis and cardiovascular diseases after menopause. This is mainly due to low estrogen levels. Your healthcare provider may want to keep a close eye on your health to make sure your risk levels for these conditions isn’t too high. They may even prescribe treatment as necessary.
Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis occurs when the insides of your bones become less dense, making them more fragile and likely to fracture. Estrogen plays an important role in preserving bone mass. Estrogen signals cells in the bones to stop breaking down.

On average, you'll lose 25% of your bone mass from the time of menopause to age 60. This is largely because of the loss of estrogen. Your healthcare provider may want to test the strength of your bones over time. Bone mineral density testing, also called bone densitometry, is a quick way to see how much calcium you have in certain parts of your bones.
Cardiovascular diseases

After menopause, your risk for cardiovascular disease tends to increase because of several things, including:The loss of estrogen
Increased blood pressure
Certain lifestyle habits like smoking cigarettes, drinking alcohol or eating unhealthy foods (if these habits apply to you)
A decrease in physical activity, which can lead to high cholesterol and other conditions (depending on your activity levels after menopause)

Living With

When should I see my healthcare provider?

Contact your healthcare provider if symptoms of menopause are bothering you and affecting your quality of life. Most women begin the transition to menopause with mild symptoms like irregular periods or changes to their typical menstrual cycle. But symptoms can become severe and interrupt your daily life. Your provider can recommend treatments to help ease your symptoms.

Irregular vaginal bleeding can sometimes be a sign of other health conditions. Your healthcare provider may want to be sure menopause is causing your symptoms. You should contact your provider as a precaution if you have any of the following symptoms:Your periods become much heavier than usual.
You pass several large blood clots (larger than a quarter).
You have your period for longer than seven days.
The length of time between your periods is less than 21 days.
You skip periods before the age of 45.
You bleed or spot between periods.
You bleed after sex.
What questions should I ask my healthcare provider?

Some questions you may want to ask your provider include:How do I know when I’ve reached menopause?
What kind of treatments will help my symptoms?
Is hormone therapy an option for me?
How long should I expect my symptoms to last?
Do you recommend any lifestyle changes?
How do I know that this is menopause and not something else?

Additional Common Questions

Can I get pregnant during menopause?

Yes. Until you know for sure that you’ve completed menopause, there’s a chance of pregnancy. If you don’t want to become pregnant, continue to use some form of birth control until you’re sure you’ve gone through menopause.
Can menopause affect sleep?

Yes, you can experience trouble sleeping during menopause. This can be a normal side effect of menopause itself, or it could be due to another symptom of menopause. Hot flashes are a common culprit of sleepless nights during menopause.
Can menopause affect my sex life?

Yes, it can. Your declining hormone levels may affect how pleasurable sex is to you. Symptoms like vaginal dryness can make sex painful or uncomfortable. Not all women experience a decreased sexual desire. In some cases, it’s just the opposite. This could be because there’s no longer any fear of getting pregnant like there was before menopause. For many, this allows them to enjoy sex without worrying about family planning.

Don’t be afraid to talk to your healthcare provider about your sex drive or how sex feels. Your provider will discuss options to help you feel better.
Does menopause cause weight gain?

It may. Hormone changes can impact your weight. For example, you may start to lose muscle as you get older, which can affect how your body gains weight.
Are there any emotional changes that can happen during menopause?

Menopause can cause a variety of emotional changes, including:A lack of motivation and difficulty concentrating
Anxiety, depression, mood changes and tension
Aggressiveness and irritability

These emotional changes can happen outside of menopause, too. You’ve probably experienced some of them throughout your life.

Your healthcare provider may be able to prescribe a medication to help you. It may also help to just know that there’s a name for the feelings you’re experiencing. Support groups and counseling are useful tools when dealing with emotional changes during menopause.

During your conversation, your provider will tell you about different treatment types and check to make sure there isn’t another medical condition causing your depression.
Do men go through menopause?

Andropause, or male menopause, is a term that describes decreasing testosterone levels in men. Testosterone production in men declines about 1% per year — much more gradually than estrogen production in women. Healthcare providers often debate calling this slow decline in testosterone “menopause” since it’s not as drastic of a hormone shift and doesn’t carry the same intensity of side effects. Some men won’t even notice the change because it happens over many years or decades. Other names for the male version of menopause are age-related low testosterone, male hypogonadism or androgen deficiency.
A note from Cleveland Clinic


Menopause is a natural and normal part of the aging process. But knowing it’s going to happen doesn’t make it easier. The physical and emotional symptoms of menopause can be challenging and uncomfortable for many people. Fortunately, there are many treatments available to help you deal with the disruptive symptoms of menopause.

You don’t have to cope with menopause alone. Talk to your healthcare provider about the symptoms you’re experiencing and how they impact your quality of life. They can recommend treatments to manage your symptoms and make you feel better.

SOURCE:

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21841-menopause(accessed 30.4.26)

10 Tips to take care of an elderly person at home

The provision of care is not carried out exclusively in the home environment but extends to different public and private institutions, however, family care is one of the scenarios where it is most visible and common.

Undoubtedly, caring for another represents a great challenge that only with teamwork and with the full awareness that a single person cannot solve everything, better conditions can be built for both caregivers and dependents. Here are 10 tips for caring for an elderly person at home.
Carry out a needs assessment

You must start from reality, you have to list what the needs of your family member are, as well as the resources available to face them. Once what is needed has been established, a realistic action plan will be drawn up of what each family member can contribute, as well as looking for the means and people to facilitate the process.
Make family agreements

When your family member begins to become dependent, it is necessary to reach family agreements regarding the responsibilities that each child will take on. Disagreements and friction are common, the recommendation is to establish a family meeting to openly discuss the expectations, possibilities, and responsibilities that each of the members must meet with the objective of strengthening family ties.

If it is difficult to reach these agreements, we recommend you go to a professional who can guide you to make the process of adaptation and change in family dynamics positive and constructive.
Assemble a good team of professionals to support

Generally, an elderly person presents various pathologies, the most advisable thing is to have a Geriatrician who can guide them as a family in the care and treatment of their relative.

If you require personalized assistance and support to carry out activities of daily living, consider the option of hiring an assistance service for the elderly in your home, in case you require advanced medical care contact a nursing service.
Establish a daily routine for your family member

It is advisable to have a schedule for each activity during the day, from breakfast, personal hygiene, recreational and social activities, among others, so that our family member gets used to doing them without problems. Having a structured routine helps to keep their activities in order, making our family members feel safe in addition to promoting the person to keep their sleep and wake schedules; and be always physically and mentally active.
Establish a safety plan

In an elderly person, the risks of accidents are increased as their senses begin to diminish, we recommend making a list of some risk factors and taking actions in this regard.

One of the dangers older adults continually face is falling. To prevent this from happening, you need to make a review of the living space of your family member and remove obstacles, rugs, fragile tables where he can trip. Modifications must also be made in certain critical areas such as the bathroom, where support bars must be installed and slip-resistant mats must be installed. It is essential to have good lighting and free spaces to be able to circulate easily.

If your family member has cognitive impairment, you should anticipate that he may leave the home and get lost in the surroundings, for this we recommend keeping the door locked and providing him with identification that he can wear all day.
Keep a record of medications

It is common for the elderly to consume several medications and may become confused and double their dose, on the other hand, there is a tendency towards self-medication, this is very dangerous and, therefore, it is necessary for you, as a family member, to take control of the situation. We recommend that you keep the daily control of each medication in a notebook or log and use controlled pillboxes.
Establish an eating plan

In advanced age, there is a tendency to consume less food since it is of only one type. Eating a balanced diet is recommended to prevent any health problems in addition to helping your family member to become physically and mentally strong.
Help him stay physically and cognitively active

Immobility and memory disorders must be prevented. We can promote activity with a simple daily walk, hobbies, or activities within the home that motivate your family member to continue an active and healthy life.

Memory tends to decline with age that is why we must help them to have tools to stimulate their mind such as puzzles, riddles, word searches, crossword puzzles, among others. Let us always be aware that they can learn new things every day.
Help him stay socially connected

It is important to promote socialization with our family members and allow interaction not only with family but with close circles of friends. This will help them continue to live a quality life and give them the opportunity to set new goals, new interests, and lifestyles in order to feel more fulfilled.
Provide affection, attention, and details

At the end of the day, the most important thing is the affection and love that we can give our family members. Perhaps there will be material needs that are difficult to meet, but the time, the details, and the affection that we give them every day will make them feel happy and loved no matter the conditions in which they are.

SOURCE:

https://awoc.org/diet/10-tips-to-take-care-of-an-elderly-person-at-home/(accessed 28.04.26)

Smashed: Γιατί η πρόληψη της ανήλικης κατανάλωσης αλκοόλ ξεκινά από την εκπαίδευση

Γιώτα Καλλιπολίτου
7 Απριλίου 2026



Σε μια περίοδο όπου η πρόληψη της ανήλικης κατανάλωσης αλκοόλ αποτελεί βασική προτεραιότητα δημόσιας υγείας, η DIAGEO παρουσίασε το πρόγραμμα Smashed, το οποίο υλοποιείται με τη στήριξη του Υπουργείου Υγείας, συμβάλλοντας στην ενίσχυση των εθνικών στόχων για την πρόληψη και την προαγωγή της δημόσιας υγείας.


Το διεθνώς αναγνωρισμένο και πιστοποιημένο εκπαιδευτικό πρόγραμμα υλοποιείται στην Ελλάδα από το 2021, μέσω των εκδοχών Smashed Online και Smashed Live, έχοντας ήδη προσεγγίσει περισσότερους από 16.000 εφήβους 13–17 ετών σε όλη τη χώρα. Μέσα από μια διαδραστική παράσταση που παρουσιάζει την ιστορία τριών εφήβων, οι μαθητές δεν παρακολουθούν απλώς, αλλά συμμετέχουν ενεργά, ταυτίζονται και καλούνται να πάρουν θέση απέναντι σε πραγματικά διλήμματα που συνδέονται με την κατανάλωση αλκοόλ και την πίεση της εφηβείας.



Το 2026 σηματοδοτεί ένα νέο κεφάλαιο για το πρόγραμμα με το «Smashed Theater». Πρόκειται για μια μόνιμη θεατρική παραγωγή με την σκηνοθεσία και την καλλιτεχνική επιμέλεια του Θεάτρου Τέχνης, που μεταφέρει την πρόληψη σε έναν ζωντανό χώρο πολιτισμού, ενισχύοντας περαιτέρω το εύρος και τη βιωματική διάσταση της εμπειρίας.

Η επίδραση του προγράμματος στην Ελλάδα αποτυπώνεται σε σαφή, μετρήσιμα και πιστοποιημένα αποτελέσματα, βάσει ερωτηματολογίων που συμπληρώνονται πριν και μετά την παρακολούθησή του. Το 63% των μαθητών δηλώνει αλλαγή στάσης απέναντι στο αλκοόλ, ενώ καταγράφεται σημαντική βελτίωση σε κρίσιμους δείκτες γνώσης και συμπεριφοράς: η κατανόηση των κινδύνων της κατανάλωσης από ανηλίκους αυξάνεται από 41% σε 76%, η ικανότητα λήψης υπεύθυνων αποφάσεων από 40% σε 80%, ενώ το ποσοστό των μαθητών που γνωρίζουν πού και πώς να αναζητήσουν βοήθεια αυξάνεται από 32% σε 87%.



Η Δρ. Φωτεινή Κουλούρη, Προϊσταμένη Γενικής Διεύθυνσης Δημόσιας Υγείας και Ποιότητας Ζωής του Υπουργείου Υγείας, δήλωσε: « Η πρόληψη δεν αποτελεί απλώς έναν τομέα πολιτικής, αλλά θεμελιώδη πυλώνα της Δημόσιας Υγείας και στρατηγική επένδυση στο μέλλον της κοινωνίας. Η Πολιτεία προχωρά με συνέπεια και αποφασιστικότητα στην ενίσχυση του πλαισίου προστασίας των ανηλίκων, μέσα από σύγχρονες νομοθετικές πρωτοβουλίες και καινοτόμα εργαλεία, όπως η ψηφιακή πιστοποίηση ηλικίας, που διασφαλίζουν την ουσιαστική εφαρμογή των κανόνων τόσο στον φυσικό όσο και στον ψηφιακό χώρο. Η ουσιαστική πρόληψη ξεκινά από την εκπαίδευση και την καλλιέργεια δεξιοτήτων ζωής, που επιτρέπουν στους νέους να σκέφτονται κριτικά, να αναγνωρίζουν τους κινδύνους και να προβαίνουν σε συνειδητές επιλογές. Σε αυτό το πλαίσιο, προγράμματα όπως το «Smashed» αποτελούν πρότυπο καλής πρακτικής, καθώς μετατρέπουν την πρόληψη σε εμπειρία και προσωπικό βίωμα».

Η Έφη Μπούρα, Διευθύντρια Εταιρικών Σχέσεων της DIAGEO, ανέφερε:
«Τα αποτελέσματα του Smashed στην Ελλάδα αποδεικνύουν έμπρακτα την αξία και το ουσιαστικό αποτύπωμα του προγράμματος στους εφήβους, τόσο σε επίπεδο γνώσης όσο και στη διαμόρφωση στάσεων απέναντι στο αλκοόλ. Με το Smashed Theater προχωρούμε σε ένα επόμενο, στρατηγικό βήμα, επεκτείνοντας το πρόγραμμα σε μόνιμη θεατρική παραγωγή με το Θέατρο Τέχνης, με στόχο να προσεγγίσουμε ακόμη περισσότερους νέους, σε κάθε εκπαιδευτικό περιβάλλον, όπου μπορούμε να συναντήσουμε έφηβους-μαθητές. Η σύμπραξή μας με το Υπουργείο Υγείας είναι καθοριστική, καθώς ενισχύει την εμβέλεια και την αποτελεσματικότητα της προσπάθειας, στο πλαίσιο της δέσμευσής μας ως DIAGEO να συμβάλλουμε ενεργά στην υλοποίηση του εθνικού σχεδίου δράσης για την προστασία των ανηλίκων, αλλά και στην προώθηση της υπεύθυνης κατανάλωσης αλκοόλ συνολικά».




Ο Δημήτρης Μαγγίνας, Ηθοποιός & Σκηνοθέτης Θέατρο Τέχνης, σημείωσε: «Η δύναμη του θεάτρου βρίσκεται στη δημιουργία εμπειριών που αγγίζουν πραγματικά το κοινό. Η μετάβαση του Smashed σε μια μόνιμη θεατρική παραγωγή του δίνει νέα δυναμική και τη δυνατότητα να εξελίσσεται διαρκώς. Για εμάς στο Θέατρο Τέχνης, αποτελεί μια δημιουργική διαδικασία που μας επιτρέπει να εμβαθύνουμε στο υλικό και να χτίζουμε κάθε φορά μια πιο ουσιαστική σύνδεση με το νεανικό κοινό, μέσα από μια εμπειρία ζωντανή και επίκαιρη. Η συνεργασία μας με τη DIAGEO και η συμμετοχή μας στο Smashed είναι τιμητική, καθώς μας δίνει τη δυνατότητα να συμβάλλουμε, μέσα από την τέχνη, σε μια μοναδική πρωτοβουλία με αποδεδειγμένο αντίκτυπο στους εφήβους».

ΠΗΓΗ:

https://childit.gr/108319/smashed-diageo-%cf%85%cf%80%ce%bf%cf%85%cf%81%ce%b3%ce%b5%ce%af%ce%bf-%cf%85%ce%b3%ce%b5%ce%af%ce%b1%cf%82-%ce%b5%ce%bd%cf%8e%ce%bd%ce%bf%cf%85%ce%bd-%ce%b4%cf%85%ce%bd%ce%ac%ce%bc%ce%b5%ce%b9/(accessed 28.4.26)