G’day fellas. Rip Woodchip here. Well that latest On the Pulse in the Shed Wireless Podcast got me thinking about my first introduction to dementia.
Now, I’m not a doctor, and I’m not here to give medical advice. But I am a bloke, just like you. And if you’ve been told you’ve got dementia—or maybe you’re worried it’s on the horizon—then I reckon we need to have a yarn about what that means for us, as men, as mates, and as people who’ve spent a lifetime doing, fixing, building, and remembering.
When I first heard the word “dementia” tossed around in relation to myself, I’ll be honest—it felt like someone had taken a chisel to the foundation. You think, “Hang on, I’m still me. I still know how to sharpen a plane blade and tell a good yarn.” But then you start forgetting names, misplacing tools, or repeating stories you swore you’d only told once. And it hits you: something’s shifting.
But here’s the thing, fellas. Getting older isn’t a failure. And neither is getting dementia. It’s just another chapter in the book. Might be a bit dog-eared, sure—but it’s still your story.
So what do you do when the diagnosis comes?
🔹 First off—don’t go it alone.
We blokes have a habit of bottling things up tighter than a jam jar lid after Nan’s had a go. But this is not the time to be stoic. Talk to your family. Talk to your mates. Talk to your doc – there are some medicines that might even help so it’s worth finding out. And there are lots of resources out there as Stuart and Diane discussed. Head over to our website to find out more. And if you’re lucky enough to have a shed like ours, talk to the fellas here. You’ll be surprised how many are walking the same track.
🔹 Second—keep doing what you love.
You might need to write things down more, or label your drawers, or ask for help with the fiddly bits. But don’t hang up your apron just yet. The shed’s not just a place for timber and tools—it’s a place for purpose. And purpose is the best medicine I know.
🔹 Third—laugh.
Seriously. Laugh at the silly stuff. Laugh when you call your grandson by the dog’s name. Laugh when you find your glasses in the fridge. It’s not about making light of it—it’s about keeping your spirit strong. Dementia might mess with your memory, but it doesn’t have to steal your joy.
🔹 And finally—be kind to yourself.
You’ve spent decades being the bloke who fixes things. Now it’s okay to let others help fix things for you. That’s not weakness—that’s wisdom.
So if you’re listening to this and you’ve just had that diagnosis, or you’re worried about what’s ahead, just know this: you’re still you. You’re still valued. You’re still part of this shed, this community, this life.
And if your mind starts to wander, well—maybe it’s just taking the scenic route.
This is Rip Woodchip, signing off from the Shed Wireless. Look after yourselves, and look after each other.