With life expectancy in developing countries showing that people are living longer than ever before, people are taking more interest in their health than in the past.
Having said that, there is a significant gap between the life expectancy of a woman versus that of a man in every country in the world. Men do not live as long as women. In the US, it is 76 years for men and 81 for women.
Understanding men’s unique health needs can be one of the best ways to narrow this gap and boost male life expectancy.
Men and women really are different when it comes to certain health concerns. In this guide we will give an overview of the most important health considerations men need to pay attention to as they age – not just for a longer life, but also for a better quality of life.
Specific Health Issues Affecting Men
There are a number of health conditions common in men that can be prevented, or treated if caught early. These include:
Heart Disease
Heart disease is the number one killer of both men and women in the US, but it is still perceived as a man’s disease. There is a great deal a man (or woman) can do to prevent heart disease. A heart-healthy lifestyle will include less red meat, a low-fat, low-carb diet, maintaining a healthy weight and body mass index (BMI), and keeping blood pressure and cholesterol within normal range as far as possible.
Diabetes
A growing number of people are suffering from diabetes in the US, and many men struggle to keep their blood sugar under control. A low-carb diet that contains little refined sugar is one of the best ways to prevent diabetes.
Prostate Issues
As men age, their prostate can often become enlarged and lead to a range of urinary tract and sexual symptoms. Urinary tract symptoms include:
- Urinary urgency
- Increased urinary frequency
- Nocturia – having to get up several times in the night
- Incontinence – not being able to control one’s urine
- Incomplete emptying – that is, not being able to get rid of all the urine from the body
The latter can cause damage to the bladder and the kidneys. It can also trigger urinary tract infections (UTIs), which can also cause bladder and kidney damage if left untreated.
Problems with the prostate can also trigger erectile dysfunction, pelvic pain (especially during or after intercourse), and sometimes painful ejaculation.
Testicular Cancer
This is most common in young men. Checking the testicles in the same way women check their breasts each month can help discover lumps, bumps, or changes in the quality of the tissue.
Testicular and Scrotal Issues
A man can get problems in this area easily through sports injury, trauma such as impact with a bike saddle, and even during intercourse. Testicular torsion, or twisting, can result in a loss of blood flow and death of the tissue in that area. If a man experiences any sudden pain in this area, he should not ignore it in the hope that it will go away.
Erectile Dysfunction (ED)
Thanks to the little blue pill Viagra, it is now more acceptable for people to discuss ED, and it is therefore easier to get treatment for it without the degree of shame that used to accompany it.
There are many causes of ED and very few of them have anything to do with one’s skill as a lover. Common causes are stress, relationship issues, and energy levels. In addition, there are many medical causes that should be investigated and ruled out. These can include heart disease, diabetes, certain medications being taken, consuming alcohol, and more.
Erections are a case of “use it or lose it”. Many men can enjoy a healthy sex life well into their senior years provided that they are willing to pay attention to it.
Sexual Health Issues
Unprotected sex can lead to a range of health issues. In some cases, a man might have reproductive issues. These might include a low sperm count, low testosterone, and low libido (interest in sex). All of these can fluctuate over time. There are a range of treatment options once the underlying cause has been discovered.
Weight Issues
Men tend to carry extra weight around their middle. This is commonly referred to as a beer belly or a spare tire. Extra weight puts a strain on the heart, joints and more. Slimming down and working on the abs are two of the best ways to ward off heart health issues and diabetes.
Sports Injuries
Men who play sports are prone to injuries. In particular, aging “weekend warriors” who try to do too much can end up with strains, sprains and more serious injuries. Warm up, cool down, and choose age-appropriate activities.
Now that we’ve covered the most common health issues men face, let’s look next at the health screenings every man should have as an adult.
Health Screenings All Men Should Have as They Age
Every man should visit their health care provider regularly, even if they feel healthy. The purpose of these visits is to screen for medical issues. A regular check-up every year is one of the best ways to ensure that any medical conditions which might arise can be detected early and treated as needed. Regular follow-ups can then be scheduled as well.
This is particularly important if there is any family history of a particular condition, such as high blood pressure and stroke, heart disease, or certain types of cancer such as colon cancer.
A regular check-up also ensures you can keep up to date with your vaccinations as you age. Younger men would do well to get screened regularly in order to establish a baseline of good health and then get checked regularly to make sure they are keeping up the good work.
A typical physical will including checking for high blood pressure, determining cholesterol levels, and testing via the blood, urine and stool to ensure everything is within normal range. The doctor will usually check the lymph nodes, such as those on either side of the neck, just under the jaw. They might perform a breast exam and testicular exam to check for cancer.
The doctor might also check vision and hearing and ask about lifestyle issues, such as drinking, smoking, weight control, eating habits, safe sex practices, and so on. They will also look at the A1C (blood glucose levels) to determine if the man has diabetes.
It is only through regular check-ups that a pattern might emerge in relation to one’s health. For example, high blood pressure and cholesterol need to be screened over time.
Blood Pressure
Blood pressure tends to increase as we age. As a young man, you can have it checked up to every two years if it is normal, and every year to more frequently if it creeps into the abnormal range. Normal is 120 over 70. The top number (systolic) measures the pressure when it pushes out from the heart through the arteries. The second number (diastolic) measures the pressure when the blood returns to the heart via the veins.
These days, there are free blood pressure checking machines in many pharmacies, and one that can be used at home around the arm or the wrist. They won’t be as accurate as a reading in a doctor’s office, but they should be able to give you a pretty good estimate of your range. Then you can take steps to lower your pressure as needed, through medicine, exercise, stress reduction, dietary changes, and so on.
Cholesterol Screenings
Cholesterol is a waxy fat found naturally in our bodies which helps form cell walls to keep the important contents in and toxins out. Some people produce a large amount naturally, which can cause a lot of wear and tear on the body – particularly on the cardiovascular system and the kidneys. In other cases, a man might eat a high cholesterol diet. Cholesterol can build up in the arteries, leading to them becoming hardened and thus increasing the risk of heart attack or stroke.
Regular cholesterol screenings, and treatment if blood serum cholesterol is too high, can lower the risk of serious health issues. Medications called statin drugs are commonly prescribed in order to lower cholesterol. However, since there is always a concern of serious side effects with many medications, lowering cholesterol naturally through a sensible diet is your first option.
All animal-based foods have cholesterol. Plant-based ones do not. You can also add foods to your diet that lower bad (LDL) cholesterol, and boost helpful (HDL) cholesterol. Try adding olive oil, walnuts, almonds and salmon to your diet and see if it makes a difference at your next screening.
If you are under 35, get checked when you have a physical. If you are over 35, get checked every three years. If you are overweight, get checked more often. If you have heart disease or kidney disease, you should also be checked regularly. There are now home testing kits as well, with different strips to test total cholesterol, HDL and LDL as needed.
Blood Glucose
Blood glucose, or blood sugar levels, can point to whether or not a person is developing, or has, diabetes. If there is a large amount of sugar in the blood, this might be a sign that there is something wrong with your natural production of insulin, or that it is not working as effectively as it should to maintain steady blood sugar levels.
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease that can occur at any age. Having said that, it is considered a disease of adolescence and often referred to as juvenile diabetes because it often develops in those under 18.
Type 2 diabetes used to be considered an adult disease. However, in recent years, children as young as 18 months have been diagnosed with insulin resistance and Type 2 diabetes. If you are overweight and tend to eat a lot of sweets and carbohydrates, it might be time to cut back and get your A1C checked. For those with diabetes, there are home testing kits and test strips that monitor blood sugar before and after meals.
Not everyone with diabetes needs to take insulin. Studies have also shown that losing as little as 10 pounds can in some cases reverse diabetes. If you have not been checked recently but experience persistent thirst, frequent urination, and significant but unexplained weight loss, it might be a sign of diabetes. Once over 35, you should be screened at least every three years. If you have high blood pressure, are overweight, or have heart disease or kidney issues, you should also be screened regularly.
Colon Cancer
Colon cancer has a strong family component and is on the rise in the general population. It is the third most common cancer death in men. If you are under age 50, you should be screened if you have a strong family history of colon cancer. Screening may also be considered if you have risk factors such as a history of inflammatory bowel disease (e.g. Crohn’s disease) or polyps – small raised masses of extra tissue in the colon. Almost all colon cancer is the result of polyps becoming cancerous.
If you are between ages 50 to 75, you should be screened for colorectal cancer every five years, or more often if anything like polyps are found. There are several screening tests available. Some common screening tests include:
- A fecal occult blood test, done every physical (this tests your stool for blood)
- Flexible sigmoidoscopy every 5 years
- Colonoscopy every 5 to 10 years
Each test has its pros and cons, but are all effective as spotting colon cancer in its early stages when it is more treatable.
Dental Exams
A lot of people take their teeth for granted until something goes wrong with them. Go to the dentist once or twice every year for an exam and cleaning. Your dentist will evaluate if you have a need for more frequent visits based on your level of plaque, wear and tear on your teeth, and so on.
Eye Exam
Have an eye exam every two to four years under 40, unless you have eye issues such as wearing glasses or lenses. Over age 40, you should go every two years. If 55 and over, go every year. Your doctor may recommend more frequent eye exams if you have high blood pressure or glaucoma risk. If you ever have any sudden change in the ability to see, don’t delay in seeking treatment.
Osteoporosis Screening
If you are between ages 50 to 70 and have risk factors for osteoporosis, such as it running in the family or you having brittle bones or a break that won’t heal, you should discuss screening with your provider. Risk factors for developing osteoporosis in men include long-term steroid use, low body weight, smoking and heavy alcohol use.
Prostate Cancer Screening
Most men aged 50 or older should discuss screening for prostate cancer with their provider. African American men and those with a family history of prostate cancer in a close relative should consider being screened from age 45 and onwards.
Prostate cancer activity is measured in the PSA test (Prostate Specific Antigen). It can sometimes give misleading readings, so if a man has a suspicious reading, follow-up can determine whether or not treatment is needed. PSA tests are usually done every year if the PSA is normal (usually 0).
Lung Cancer Screening
Men over 55 should be screened for lung cancer annually if they have a long history of smoking and/or have quit in the last 15 years.
Now that you know about the most important screenings men should get as they journey into their senior years, it’s time to look at some of the best strategies for getting your man to agree to visit the doctor.
Tips for Persuading Your Man to Visit the Doctor
Going to the doctor is never fun, but many men seem to have a positive phobia when it comes to seeing the doctor. However, as we discussed in the last section, there are a number of important screening tests that should be carried out regularly in order for a man to maintain overall health and wellness, and catch any troublesome condition early before it causes any serious problems.
So what can you do to get your guy to go to the doctor? Here are a few simple suggestions:
Discuss the Main Issue
Talk about why he is so reluctant to go. Does he not like being examined, hate needles, feel embarrassed? Once you know the problem, you can empathize and support your man as he comes up with some solutions.
Ignorance Is Not Bliss
It is fine to worry about getting bad news. But it is not a good idea to avoid seeing a doctor to the point where your man would have had a better outcome if he had gone sooner. Reassure him that you will be there for him no matter what, but it is better to know the whole truth than run from it.
Take the Lead
Find a local doctor that will be easy to go to, and is the right age and gender. Most men prefer a male doctor. Go with him if he wants the company. Bribe him to go and reward him afterwards. Try dinner and a movie, or a romantic evening for two.
Be Prepared
Take note of anything he has been complaining about, such as a nagging backache. Hand him the list before he heads out the door and text a reminder to review the list with his doctor. You might even text the whole list if you are afraid he has lost the paper and might forget something.
Remind Him of How Valued He Is in Your Life
If he starts to complain you are nagging, just remind him of how important he is to you and/or the family and how him suffering makes you suffer as well.
If you have good health, you truly have a treasure beyond measure. Protect your treasure, and that of the man in your life, by going for regular check-ups.
An ounce of prevention can often be worth a pound of cure when it comes to many health conditions. Detecting any issues early on gives you the best chance for successful treatment. Men are notoriously bad about going to the doctor, but “toughing it out” can be the worst thing for a man’s health because in many cases, the longer they wait for treatment, the less likelihood of a good outcome.
It’s time for men to become more proactive about their health at every age, for a longer, healthier life.
