my DH also found a plastic toolbox full of inocuous not dangerous stuff like keychains that are little flashlights. a few screwdrivers, some flashlights, tape measures, large locks with keys to open/close etc. very entertaining thru mid stages. you can walk the isles of home depot and get plenty of ideas that would entertain a man.
There is an awesome website Timeslips.org. They give a new twist to memory impaired. They have photos of different events and You simply ask your LO questions ex: what do you think is going on in this picture, what is their name etc. so instead of us trying to get them to remember, they can be creative where they are in the moment, and there are no wrong answers. Check it out, it's awesome and fun for all! What makes this difficult is our DH friends are still employed, and let's face it I think it's harder for men to reach out to men. There are lots of game apps on an iPad you choose the level of difficulty .
Well, I've posted this twice and it keeps disappearing - will try once more.
I let DH put the stamps on Christmas cards. Took him about 3 hours to do around 30 - some on upside down or sideways - but kept him busy.
I give him various sizes of flashlights with a basket of batteries and tell him the batteries need changing in the lights. This will keep him busy for hours - trying to find the right size of batteries,etc.
Joan, Mine likes to go to the library and read the magazines. I call it his "adult daycare"---he's not ready for adult daycare, but it serves the same purpose because I can drop him off and it's close to Sam's Club and Target so I can get some shopping done while he's entertained. Also, he loves crossword puzzles (easy ones of course), but he stays focused on them for several hours.
Besides now being caretakers we have taken on the new role as "social directors". My spouse is very reclusive and doesn't like to mingle with other adults so the senior center isn't an option. Besides he's says it's for old people!