Maximizing Health for Elderly Men

June is Men’s Health Month

Did you know that women are 100% more likely to visit their primary care doctor for annual physicals and preventative services than men? Men also die at higher rates than women from nine of the top ten causes of death for Americans, and men typically die five years earlier than women. Because men are at high risk and less likely to visit the doctor, it’s important to shed light on the health problems and challenges facing older men. 

The Changes in Health as We Age

Everyone can recognize the wrinkles and gray hair that indicate aging, but what about changes in your heart or teeth? As we age, the body slows down and ages as well. In the cardiovascular system, blood vessels and arteries will slowly stiffen, which forces your heart to work harder to pump blood. Bones typically shrink in size, and muscles lose their elasticity and flexibility. Memory and thinking skills can also change, as familiar concepts become more foreign. While these changes might seem frightening, with a proactive approach, you can ensure that you and your loved ones age while staying happy and healthy.

6 Special Considerations for Elderly Men’s Health 

1. Make physical activity a part of your daily routine. Low-impact activities like swimming can be excellent for the joints and for staying active. Exercise helps to improve heart health, lower disease risk, maintain a healthy weight and maintain brain health.
    
2. Eat a healthy diet filled with fruit, vegetables, whole grains and fiber-rich foods. Stay away from foods that are high in sugar or sodium. A good diet serves as the backbone for a healthy lifestyle and promotes heart health, reduces strain on bones and muscles, boosts memory, improves oral health and helps to maintain a good weight.
    
3. Manage your stress with hobbies and activities like meditation. Stress takes a toll on your heart, body and mind.
    
4. Get enough calcium to protect bone health. While women are screened for osteoporosis regularly, men should also monitor bone health. The average daily calcium intake recommendation increases as we age to 1,200 mg a day for men over age 71.
    
5. Don’t smoke! If you are using tobacco or other products containing nicotine, talk with your primary care doctor about how to quit.
    
6. Treat cardiovascular disease if your doctor tells you that you are at a high risk for it. High blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes must all be managed properly to reduce the risk of heart attacks, cognitive decline or other negative health outcomes.  

Prioritize Your Health with Senior Care Lifestyles

At Senior Care Lifestyles, we specialize in facilitating the connection between seniors and the right in-home care, assisted living and senior living communities. We have assisted hundreds of families with finding effective and affordable solutions for loved ones. Get in touch today by calling 410-977-3718!