Ian Gainey is a man who sets about solving challenges with steely determination and humour. 

“You only have one chance at life – so grab it with both hands,” chuckles the 73-year-old.   “Get out there, enjoy life and be happy.” 

He knows more than most that preserving happiness and vitality requires a balance of effort and resilience. 

Ian pays attention to his health and is proactive about seeking care when something isn’t right.  That’s why his story is being shared for Men’s Health Week. 

In his lifetime, Ian has lived through bowel and prostate cancer and also with the effects of polio. He contracted polio at the age of two, but with grit and determination, has mastered the physical challenges that came with it. 

Ian was twice chosen to represent Australia in the Paralympics – in 1984 and in 1988.  In 1986 he set the World Record for 10,000 metres (or 25 laps of the athletic oval track in a wheelchair) in 32 minutes.  

He has turned his physical challenges into real strengths and has also cultivated his keen mind by connecting with others through his work and community service. 

Ian worked in logistics in the Australian Defence Force for nearly 40 years, a role he not only excelled in but relished.  Recently he attended a morning lunch at Uniting AgeWell as a valued Social Connections volunteer. 

Here he was happy to share his story with us.   It was ten years ago that he discovered he had bowel cancer – and he didn’t hesitate.  “I told the surgeon to get on to things straight away,” Ian explains.  “A few months after surgery, my lymph nodes flared up so I was put on chemotherapy tablets for six months to sort them out.” 

The same thing happened when he contracted prostate cancer in 2022.  “I’m always very good at remembering to do the regular PSA tests, so I noticed straight away when my levels were high.  I told the surgeon to sort it out,” he says.  “I’m all in the clear now, the cancer has gone.” 

Unlike what the research tells us about men’s health-seeking behaviours, Ian has been proactive and determined to face whatever a test or diagnosis may mean. 

He also applies this proactive approach to something many men experience in silence – loneliness.  For Ian, there is no stigma.  He’s just practical. 

When he retired he made plans to embrace the next chapter of his life by ensuring it was filled with purpose, friendship and meaning.  He also wanted to give back to the community. 

“I started volunteering, first with Wyndham Council and seven years ago with Uniting AgeWell,” he says.  “I volunteer for the Chat-A-Ring program and every Thursday I phone seven older people.  I really enjoy getting to know them.  There are a few who I have chatted to for many years, and it’s been a wonderful privilege to share their lives with them. To be honest, I think I get more out of it than they do!” 

His advice to men this week: “Take your health seriously – but maintain a good sense of humour.  Get checked out, keep fit and healthy and eat balanced meals.  Also keep occupied and busy! That’s so important too.” 

Men’s Health Week runs from 15-21 June. It’s a time to put preventable health issues centre stage, to encourage the early detection of diseases and to promote physical, mental and social wellbeing among men and boys.   

Uniting AgeWell’s podcast The Ageing Ideal hosted by ABC radio presenter and author Jacinta Parsons will launch a special episode during Men’s Health Week called “Older Man’s Mirror”; a conversation that delves into the perspectives and experiences of men as they age.