Author: Elizabeth Long Photo by unsplash.com
Advancements in modern medicine mean people today are typically living longer than ever before. But, in order to enjoy a happy and healthy retirement, it’s important to be aware of health conditions we’re more prone to developing in older age. Here are three conditions that men should be particularly wary of as they grow older.
Heart disease
In the US, heart disease is the leading cause of death for adults aged 65 and above. The older you get, the greater your chances of developing the condition. The most common symptoms of heart disease are pain in the chest or throughout the body, shortness of breath, and feeling faint and/or nauseous. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek urgent medical advice.
Fortunately, there are several ways you can reduce your risk of developing heart disease. These include: eating a healthy diet, avoiding or giving up smoking, and exercising regularly. This guide on healthy aging for men highlights how it’s important to focus on the right kinds of exercise as we age to improve mobility, flexibility and wellbeing. Recommended activities include light cardio like:
- Swimming
- Walking
- Resistance strength training
- Yoga
Keeping up these good habits will not only improve your heart’s health, but it can also help to reduce your risk of suffering from other conditions like cancer or stroke.
Prostate cancer
According to research, prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in American men, and the second leading cause of cancer death. This particular type of cancer is most likely to affect older males, with the average age of men at diagnosis being 66. The exact cause of prostate cancer remains unclear, but there are some factors that will increase your risk of developing it. These include things like an unbalanced diet, a family history of the condition and even your ethnic group, with prostate cancer most commonly seen in black men.
As with any other cancer, there are a range of treatments available to help manage this condition, such as radiotherapy, cryotherapy or surgery to remove the prostate. In some cases, treatment might not be necessary, in which case doctors are likely to recommend active surveillance to monitor the cancer.
Mental health issues
It’s important not to neglect this crucial aspect of our health as we get older, as mental health issues can affect people of all ages. Even before the pandemic, loneliness was a prevalent issue in society, particularly amongst the elderly, who are more likely to be living alone and have less contact with family and friends.
According to research, loneliness could increase your risk of death by 26%, which highlights just how important it is to combat the issue. If you or a loved one might be experiencing feelings of loneliness, there are lots of ways you can find help. Whether you sign up to a volunteer program in the local community, or even invite your neighbors round for dinner, there will always be someone wanting and willing to help.
To sum up
It’s only natural to notice more ailments as our bodies grow older, but being aware of both common conditions and their symptoms will give you the best chance of remaining healthy for longer. If you notice any symptoms of the aforementioned conditions, it’s important to get a professional’s opinion to hopefully avoid the problem developing into something more serious.
Bio: Elizabeth Long, graduated with a degree in English Language with a particular interest in senior health issues.
