The elderly understand that it is impossible to prevent aging. Regardless of gender, the objective is to accept the process of getting older and make efforts to maintain peak physical and mental condition. Men, in particular, have a lot to benefit from incorporating healthy habits into their lives as they grow older.
“We talk about menopause in women, but men experience changes, too,” explains Ali Dabaja, M.D., a urologist and men’s health expert at Henry Ford Health. “From youth all the way up to older adulthood, men undergo functional changes and changes in appearance.”
As men enter their golden years, they should remain vigilant for potential changes in their sexual function, such as fluctuations in performance, as well as other symptoms like hair loss and gaining weight.
In your teens
During the teen years, there is a significant amount of growth and development that occurs, both in terms of physical and mental changes. Although most growth happens during this period, some men may continue to grow and develop until their 20s. Dr. Dabaja explains that the growth rates vary among individuals due to factors like genetics. It is important for kids to understand that the onset of pubic hair may occur at different times and they should not be overly concerned as everyone goes through puberty at their own pace.
As a parent, it is important to have conversations with your kids to ensure that they are feeling comfortable in their bodies and are able to cope with the changes they are going through.
In your 20s
Many men in their 20s struggle to maintain healthy habits due to college exams, work demands, and an active social life. Instead of prioritizing a healthy diet and regular exercise, they often end up consuming unhealthy convenience foods, staying up late, and drinking excessively. Furthermore, the brain doesn’t fully develop until the mid-20s, increasing the likelihood of risky behaviors like drinking and driving among men in this age group.
To ensure that you continue healthy habits as you age, it is important to start adopting them at a young age. Take precautions to avoid substance abuse, accidents, and sexually transmitted diseases, as they can have lasting consequences. Additionally, seek the necessary screenings from your doctor and consider establishing a baseline for markers like blood pressure, diabetes, and thyroid disease.
In your 30s and 40s
In your 30s and 40s, it is crucial to prioritize self-care, particularly concerning stress. It is not uncommon for men in this age bracket to overwork themselves in order to meet both work and family obligations. Regrettably, this approach can have negative consequences. Not only do you experience the adverse effects of inadequate sleep, but your body may also undergo changes that enhance the significance of self-care.
According to Dr. Dabaja, as you reach your 30s and 40s, there is a slowing down of your metabolism which results in potential weight gain, even if your food intake remains unchanged.
Follow these steps in order: First, make a commitment to taking care of yourself by maintaining a healthy lifestyle. This includes consuming a nutritious diet, ensuring you get enough sleep, and engaging in physical activity four to five times weekly. Next, go for screenings to detect diseases such as diabetes, thyroid disease, and cardiovascular risk factors, such as cholesterol levels and blood pressure.
In your 50s and beyond
Once individuals reach the age of 50, there is a decline in testosterone levels, resulting in alterations in fat distribution. Additional weight may specifically accumulate in the midsection, while a decrease in hair on the head and an increase in hair in the nose and ears may be observed. Simultaneously, estrogen and estradiol levels may rise, leading to modifications in breast tissue and a reduction in muscle mass. There is also a possibility of experiencing a decrease in sexual desire and function. Being cognizant of these expected changes helps mitigate any alarm when they eventually occur.
It is important to prioritize brain and heart health and, if you are a smoker, have a screening for lung cancer while making efforts to quit smoking. If you are concerned about changes in sexual function, consult a physician for assistance. Many treatments are accessible, allowing you to have a fulfilling sex life in your older years. Additionally, take preventive measures to avoid falls and accidents at home, ensure proper prescription eyeglasses by having your eyes checked, and engage in exercises to maintain strength and balance. It is also crucial to maintain regular screening exams, including screenings for colon cancer and prostate cancer.
5 Health Concerns for Aging Men
Seniors are frequently classified as individuals who are 65 years old and above. Here are a few of the prevailing health issues commonly experienced by men aged 65 and older, although it is important to acknowledge that this list is not comprehensive and these conditions can also affect individuals of different ages.
1. Balance Issues
Among older adults, falls are a top cause of injury, resulting in hip fractures, head trauma, and even death. Falls and balance problems can be worsened by bone conditions such as osteoporosis, affecting around two million American men. Approximately one in four American men above 50 years old will experience a bone fracture due to osteoporosis; however, this generally occurs at a later age compared to women.
The process of aging results in a reduction of muscle strength and a decrease in bone size, resulting in a higher probability of falls and bone fractures. This risk is further intensified by osteoporosis, a condition characterized by reduced bone density and an increased susceptibility to breaking.
To ensure that falls do not impact your life, it is advisable to maintain a regular physical activity routine and make practical adjustments to your home that align with your lifestyle.
2. Bladder Problems and Constipation
Constipation and other bladder issues, such as incontinence, are commonly seen in older adults, particularly men. These conditions can occur due to various reasons, including the weakening of bladder muscles and their inability to retain regular bowel movements.
In some cases, the presence of chronic medical conditions or inadequate nutrition can contribute to the occurrence of such conditions as you grow older. It is commonplace for men to experience bladder problems as they age, and thus it is advised to consult your healthcare provider regarding suitable management techniques or potential treatments tailored to your individual requirements.
3. Cognitive Decline
Cognitive health pertains to an individual’s capacity for acquiring knowledge, retaining information, and engaging in thought processes. The absence of these fundamental capabilities is referred to as dementia. Based on CDC’s estimation, approximately 5 million American adults aged 65 and above were afflicted with dementia in 2014, and it is predicted that this figure will rise in the future.
Alzheimer’s Disease is the most prevalent form of dementia in the U.S., constituting 60 to 80 percent of all cases. According to the National Institute of Health, men face a higher risk than women in developing mild cognitive impairment (MCI), which commonly precedes Alzheimer’s Disease. This highlights the necessity for men to prioritize self-care and seek assistance from qualified professionals if their cognitive state deteriorates or declines.
If you start noticing symptoms of cognitive decline or have a family history of dementia, it is important to start discussing with your doctor early. Although there are no known cures for dementia and other cognitive conditions, a licensed healthcare provider can assist you in developing a management plan that may involve medications for symptom management.
4. Depression
Around the world, there is a prevalence of mental disorders in 15% of individuals aged 60 and above, and among them, depression affects 7% of this demographic. The underdiagnosis of mental health issues is frequently observed in older adults, especially men, often due to the negative perception surrounding mental well-being within older communities. This absence of assistance can result in insufficient treatment, consequently leading to severe consequences such as suicidal thoughts.
It is important for older adults to discuss with their healthcare provider in order to find an appropriate treatment plan that can help reduce depressive thoughts or episodes caused by chronic health conditions or medications. Treatment options may include talk therapy, medication, support groups, or a combination of these.
5. Heart Disease
Heart disease is the primary reason behind most racial and ethnic groups’ deaths in the United States, causing one out of every four male deaths. Coronary heart disease affects approximately one in 13 white men, one in 14 Black men, and one in 17 Hispanic men.
To effectively address heart diseases such as high blood pressure or high cholesterol, it is crucial to properly manage the associated conditions through regular consultations with your healthcare provider. They may prescribe medications to aid in controlling these conditions. Additionally, taking proper care of your heart through regular exercise and a diet rich in heart-healthy foods plays a significant role in the prevention of heart disease.