With age comes shifting priorities and new sets of health issues that place more of an emphasis on preventive than diagnostic care. The transition can be overwhelming for some between new exams and screenings and a more prudent eye on symptoms.
Here are five tips men can utilize for keeping in optimal health and aging gracefully:
See Your Doctor Regularly
Surveys have shown that men avoid going to the doctor more than women and may suffer health consequences from it. Even if you feel healthy, schedule your annual checkup and keep up with routine screenings. Visiting your health care provider on a regular basis is one of the best ways to identify and address potential health issues before they progress. Routine annual exams are catered to your age, sex and specific risk factors that you may not have addressed before.
Maintain a Balanced Diet
This generic advice is worth mentioning to anyone. Eating a well-balanced diet full of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and fish—and less red meat and processed foods—does a body wonders at any stage of life. However, it's increasingly important with age due to its ability to prevent chronic disease.
Get Sun, But Use Sunscreen
The benefits of receiving vitamin D from sun exposure are well-documented. Research supports the claims of vitamin D’s benefits for immunity, depression (including seasonal depression), and cancer prevention with most doctors recommending a supplement of at least 1000 IU for those in cooler climates.
However, everything in moderation! The best way to prevent skin cancer is to limit prolonged exposure to the sun and use a broad-spectrum sunscreen that blocks both UVA and UVB ultraviolet rays. Research has also shown that men don’t use enough sunscreen, so lather up if you plan on a longer day outside or in the car.
Consider Pelvic Floor Exercises
As men age they may begin to experience erectile dysfunction (ED) or incontinence (leakage of urine or stool). Although it's extremely common for men to use ED meds as they age, pelvic floor exercises or kegels have been shown to be an additionally effective approach to treating these conditions in conjunction with medication. And although pelvic floor exercise sounds intimidating, it's actually very easy and discreet to perform. All it involves is holding the pelvic floor, which feels like holding in urine, for 5-10 seconds and repeating in a recommended set of 10 daily.
Manage Stress and Keep Connected
Keeping connected with others as you age is vital for overall well-being and coping with the woes of aging. However, there is in fact a disproportionate ratio of elder women to men, so cultivating same-sex friendships later in life may take more effort for men. Engaging with people in your community and striking up conversations when you normally wouldn’t is a great way to feel connected to the people around you in a casual way.
Following these tips will help you stay happier and healthier as you age. Lean on those around you for support and encouragement, always stay up to date with your doctors and enjoy the golden years!