Although it may, in part, be something of a media trope, a lot of us do know men who are really, really reluctant to get seen by the doctor unless they feel that they absolutely must. Whether it’s machismo or simply being unwilling to address potential health issues, as we get older, it becomes more important to be fully aware of our health. As such, here are some of the health checks men definitely need as they move into the latter half of their lives.
Your Heart Health
As we get older, heart disease is consistently one of the leading health concerns for older men. As such, checking your cardiovascular health is vital. Regular blood pressure monitoring can detect hypertension early, reducing the risks of stroke, heart attack, and kidney disease. Cholesterol screenings are also important to identify imbalances that may require lifestyle adjustments or medication. A lot of men sit quietly with heart health symptoms like chest pain or tightness, but it’s vital to start talking to your doctor about these, as they could be a warning sign of major health problems.
Is It Time For A Prostate Exam?
Although it might not be one of the most highly anticipated aspects of aging, by any means, prostate exams become an important part of managing your health as you get older. Whether it’s benign prostatic hyperplasia or prostate cancer, the chances of developing some complication increase as you get older. If you want to learn how to find out if you have prostate cancer, prostate exams are the answer. From the age of 50, they should be considered mandatory.
Changes To Your Hormones
Hormone levels, particularly testosterone, naturally decline with age, which can affect energy, muscle mass, mood, and sexual health. For some men, these changes are subtle, while for others they can significantly impact their daily life. However, it’s one of those health issues men often have trouble talking about, often because it impacts how they see themselves as a man. However, with a simple blood test, doctors can often find the cause of the issue and get to treating it directly, which can improve symptoms like fatigue, depression, and reduced libido.
Your General Wellness Checks
Age affects more than just the health issues mentioned above. There are a few more health checks that you should get scheduled a little more often as you get older. Bone health issues, like osteoporosis, become more common, so bone density tests grow in importance as you age. Similarly, you should make time to get both your hearing and your vision checked, as age-related hearing loss and issues like macular degeneration and cataracts both become more common, as well. It might be a hassle, but these checks ensure that you’re able to maintain your quality of life and take care of yourself for as long as possible.
Final Thoughts
Burying your head in the sand helps no one. Make sure that you schedule the appointments that you need and try to become more aware of the health issues that are increasingly likely to affect you from here on out.
