June 22, 2021
June is Men’s Health Month, but it’s always important to consider the health concerns facing men in their later years. Unfortunately, many tend to think that they don’t need to worry about health issues if they feel good.
Like taking care of a car, getting regular checkups, and making important everyday health choices can have a lasting positive effect. What’s the first step toward better health? Gathering Information.
It’s essential to brush up on senior health facts. So, let’s touch on some of the common health issues facing men in the later years and how to prevent them.
Get an Annual Checkup
Even if you feel well, it’s still necessary to see a doctor for annual checkups. For men 65 and older, here are some recommended screenings to make sure you’re healthy.
- Blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Colorectal cancer
- Depression
- Lipid disorders
- Abdominal aortic aneurysm
- STD
Feel Unwell? See a Doctor ASAP
It sounds simple, but if you’re sick, go to the doctor. According to the Health and Aging Foundation, 40% of men delay seeking medical care when they are sick. It can be tempting to think that problems might go away on their own, but seeking professional help can make a difference between life and death.
Take Your Medications
Medications should always be taken as directed. For older adults, it’s a good idea to keep a complete list of medications and dosages on hand. If any medicines change, keep your doctor informed. The more the doctor knows about the prescriptions being taken, the better they can monitor any adverse effects from drugs interacting.
Keep Updated on Vaccines
It’s recommended that older adult men keep up-to-date with shots, especially for the annual flu, shingles, tetanus, diphtheria, and pneumonia. For those seeking their COVID-19 vaccine, there are resources available at https://www.vaccines.gov/ to help find vaccines near you.
Stay Hydrated
The older you get, the more water you should drink. Recently, a new study published in The Journal of Physiology found that seniors’ bodies don’t adjust the rate of sweat loss to prevent further dehydration when exercising. This means it’s challenging to recognize the signs of dehydration in older adults, especially when outside in the heat.
While the exact amount of water an individual needs changes depending on weight, experts suggest you should drink 1/2 oz to 1 oz of water per pound of body weight each day. Drinking water in the morning is a great way to jumpstart your metabolism and stay hydrated.
Use Sunscreen
Each year in the US, more people are diagnosed with skin cancer than all other cancers combined. It’s never too late to protect your skin and take steps to prevent further damage from the sun. Try to avoid leaving the house during the peak hours of 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and wear protection like a hat, sunglasses, and SPF 30 or greater sunscreen to exposed skin.
Living Healthy with Assistance
These are just a few recommendations for older men to stay healthy as they age. Now is a great time to commit to making better health choices. Making healthier choices can be challenging, but having a support system helps! Finding support for new, healthier habits is often the key to success.
Hiring a professional caregiver can be a great asset in maintaining senior health. In-home caregivers assist with meal planning, provide transportation to doctor’s visits, and keep family members updated on their loved one’s health. If you would like a helping hand with making healthier habits for seniors, let us know.
