Health Tips for Men 50+
by Nicole Jewell (10/16/14)
We all know that our healthcare needs change as we age. What one person might need to do to take care of themselves at 20 may change as they go through their 30’s, 40’s and 50’s. It’s important to be aware of your healthcare needs for your age in order to live a long and healthy life. For men over 50, there are certain health issues that may come up and are important to understand.
Heart disease
Heart disease is a major killer these days, but it is especially prevalent in men over 50. As men age, the heart can become weaker, leaving them more vulnerable to death from a heart attack. But the good news is there are plenty of steps that can be taken to prevent the occurrence of heart disease.
If you’re a smoker, this is one habit you want to quit right away. Smoking increases your risk of heart disease significantly, especially for men over 50. But the good news is that quitting smoking means that your risk of heart disease will lower to that of a non-smoker in just about five years. There’s no safe amount of smoking that will protect you; even social smoking or even second-hand smoke puts you at risk of this horrible condition.
Make sure to get 30 to 60 minutes of exercise, five to six days per week to lower your risk of heart disease. Physical activity lowers body weight, which can be a risk factor for the disease. And it keeps your body healthy and strong after 50. Also, diet is a major factor in the development of heart disease. Eating a heart-healthy diet rich in foods like fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains and oily fish like salmon and mackerel will set up men over 50 to live a long life free of heart disease.
Cancer
Of all the cancers, prostate is the most common in men over 50, but lung cancer is their number one killer. Both of these types of cancer are highly preventable with proper lifestyle choices. Smoking is the number one cause of lung cancer, so quitting this habit will increase your chances of avoiding both this and heart disease.
Prostate cancer is mostly common among older men, because it is a disease of aging. It is rarely seen in men under 50. So it’s important to have regular screenings to check for signs of prostate or colon cancer. If detected early, these cancers are much easier to treat. In fact, the cure rate for prostate cancer has increased since regular screenings have been encouraged. There are few signs of prostate, colon and rectal cancers in the early stages, which is why screenings are so important. If you wait until you are experiencing symptoms to get checked, it may be too late to treat the cancer.
Preventing cancer means living a healthy life filled with organic, whole foods, exercise and avoiding smoking and drinking to excess. Foods filled with antioxidants such as dark leafy greens may help fight cancer as well.
Stroke
When blood supply is cut off to the brain, a stroke occurs and many brain cells die. Men over 50 are at a greater risk of stroke than younger men are. Some risk factors for stroke include smoking, high blood pressure and genetics. So maintaining a healthy lifestyle without cigarettes and including plenty of exercise is one way to decrease your chance of a stroke at this point in life. Strokes can affect all different parts of the body, from speech to vision and mental state. Take the preventative measures to make sure you don’t experience a stroke over 50.
Injuries
As men age, their coordination and reflexes start to decline, which can cause accidents and injuries. Also, car accidents account for a large number of deaths in this age group. Be sure to always wear a seatbelt in the car. For older men, you and your caregiver can help prevent falls in the house by making sure that floors aren’t slippery, railings are stable and walkways are clear.
Diabetes
Men over 50 are much more likely to be diagnosed with diabetes if they are obese. Diabetes is a condition where the pancreas stops producing insulin for the body. Insulin must be added to the body so it can process the sugars in foods, otherwise high blood sugar will occur. High blood sugar levels can be very damaging to nerves, eyesight and other parts of the body so it’s very important to take care of this condition.
Diabetes prevention means eating a healthy and well-balanced diet and getting plenty of exercise. Maintaining a healthy body weight will make you far less likely to get diabetes. Try to avoid foods that are very high in sugar, which can overload the pancreas, setting it into overdrive. You can still eat sugar and carbohydrates, but in moderate amounts. This allows the pancreas to produce insulin at moderate levels.
Other Problems
Erectile dysfunction is another ailment that can plague men over 50. This is simply a problem that can arise with age and a lowered testosterone level, and can be very disappointing for men in their relationships as they age. But erectile dysfunction doesn’t have to define you as you get older. Luckily, there are many treatments you can try to help deal with this problem. Tadalfil is one pill that can help treat erectile dysfunction in men over 50. Speak to your doctor to find a medication that is right for you and your lifestyle.