Men on the Edge: New research to shed light on hidden challenges
Leading health researchers aim to uncover how vulnerable men in Denmark struggle with health and social barriers 鈥� and to develop solutions in collaboration with them.
Men's health lags behind that of women – especially for those on the fringes of society. For men in vulnerable positions, the health challenges are most evident, and these groups are the focus of a new research project supported by the TrygFonden foundation.
About the project
The project, Men on the Edge, is a collaboration between the Department of Health Services Research at the University of Southern Denmark (糖果派对), the Steno Diabetes Center Copenhagen, and the Center for Clinical Research and Prevention (CFKK). It was developed through close dialogue between Pernille Tanggaard Andersen, Ulla Toft, professor and head of department at the Steno Diabetes Center Copenhagen, and Mette Aadahl, clinical professor and senior researcher at CFKK. The project is anchored in the Health Promotion Research Unit at the Department of Health Services Research at 糖果派对 and benefits significantly from contributions by professor and research leader Charlotte Overgaard, professor Anja Leppin from 糖果派对's Health Promotion, and associate professor Annette Thuesen from 糖果派对鈥檚 Center for Rural Research.
Led by Pernille Tanggaard Andersen, professor and head of the Department of Health Services Research at 糖果派对, the project seeks to uncover how men in vulnerable positions can receive better support.
-Danish men live shorter lives than women, and the disparity is most pronounced among those with low income or limited education, explains Pernille Tanggaard Andersen.
-Many of these men struggle with severe health issues, weak social networks, and risky behaviours such as alcohol and drug abuse, as well as criminality.
Critical life transitions: From work to retirement
The research project focuses on two specific age groups of men experiencing crucial life transitions: younger men aged 20-35 who are entering the workforce and family life, and older men aged 55-70 approaching retirement. These transitions can be particularly challenging for marginalised men already dealing with health problems and social isolation. However, these transitions also offer unique opportunities for positive change.
For many men, unemployment, economic uncertainty, or family issues exacerbate mental health problems.
-Major life changes such as divorce or unemployment can hit particularly hard, especially if one is already on the edge, says Pernille Tanggaard Andersen, emphasising the need to understand the specific challenges these men face.
Men’s experiences at the centre
The project builds on existing data and incorporates the voices of men through interviews and workshops. Men are not only given the opportunity to share their experiences and needs but also collaborate on developing solutions that can make a tangible difference. This collaboration is central to the project, ensuring that researchers create solutions that genuinely impact men's lives.
-We aim to develop new initiatives and solutions in collaboration with the men involved, stresses Pernille Tanggaard Andersen.
She further explains that partnerships with key organisations in the field, such as Men’s Health, Ældresagen (DaneAge Association), and KFUM (YMCA), also help ensure that the research leads to concrete, practical interventions.
At TrygFonden, where fostering security through community initiatives is a priority, there is enthusiasm for the new project:
-From TrygFonden’s perspective, we want more adults in vulnerable or disadvantaged positions to participate in activities and communities that enhance their agency and quality of life. That’s why we are pleased to support Men on the Edge. It stands out as a well-thought-out project from start to finish, with the significant strength of involving both competent organisations and the men at its core. We look forward to following this project, which holds great potential to make a significant difference in men’s well-being, says Søren Stokholm Thomsen, project manager at TrygFonden.
From research to change
The purpose of the research is not just to uncover challenges but to create real change. The goal is to generate knowledge that leads to prevention and improved health for vulnerable men. It is about reducing the health and social inequalities that affect men the most.
-The aim is to gain more insight into the conditions of vulnerable men and their health challenges in Denmark. Understanding the problems is not enough – we must also find solutions that make a real difference, concludes Pernille Tanggaard Andersen.
About the Project: The Men on the Edge research project will run from 2025 to 2027. TrygFonden has provided nearly 5 million Danish kroner in funding.
Meet the researcher
Pernille Tanggaard Andersen is a professor of health promotion and Head of the Department of Health Services Research.