senior men

Top 10 Senior Men’s Health Issues

Aging affects everyone differently, but some issues affect men more than women. Senior men should be aware of these 10 health problems in order to prevent and manage health risks. (MedicineNet)

Ten Health Problems Senior Men Face

Aging men are at increased risk of the following ten health problems:

  1. Liver Disease
    Cirrhosis, alcoholic liver disease, and hepatitis B are all risks for senior men.
  2. Cardiovascular Disease
    One in three men has a form of cardiovascular disease. Many men are at risk of heart attack, stroke, and hypertension.
  3. Respiratory Disease
    Lung cancer is a risk for men, especially those exposed to smoke, asbestos, and other hazards.
  4. Alzheimer’s Disease
    Memory-related diseases like Alzheimer’s can impair men’s decision-making abilities and considerably increase health risks.
  5. Unintentional Injuries
    Accidents that occur during work, physical labor, exercise, and other activities can be dangerous for senior men, especially those with health conditions that may decrease bone strength.
  6. Diabetes
    Type 2 diabetes is a risk for senior men, which, if unmanaged, can have serious side effects like heart problems or circulation issues that cause a need for amputation.
  7. Skin Cancer
    Men older than 50 are at an elevated risk of developing skin cancer and are twice as likely as older women to get the disease.
  8. HIV/AIDS
    Sexually active senior men can contract HIV/AIDS and should practice safe sex.
  9. Prostate Cancer
    One of the most common cancers among men is prostate cancer. When this cancer is caught early, it is quite treatable.
  10. Influenza/Pneumonia
    Aging diminishes the immune system, making seniors more susceptible to contagious diseases like the flu or pneumonia.
    (Clinical Advisor)

Screenings for Aging Men
To maintain good health as seniors, men should get screenings as recommended by medical professionals. Examples of annual checkups and screenings that are recommended for men over 65 are:

  • Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
  • Diabetes
  • Cholesterol levels
  • Blood pressure
  • Fecal occult blood (stool-based) test
  • Fecal immunochemical test (FIT)
  • Lung cancer screening (for those who regularly smoked in the past 15 years)
  • Dental exam
  • Eye exam
  • Hearing test
    Men should also have a colonoscopy performed every ten years and be screened for conditions they may be prone to due to genetics or lifestyle, like osteoporosis.
    (Medline Plus)

Top Prevention Strategies:

To avoid preventable diseases, men should use these strategies:

  1. Maintain a healthy lifestyle
  2. Keep up with annual physicals and screening
  3. Pay attention to symptoms and report any to a doctor
  4. Manage stress
  5. Avoid smoking and drinking to excess
  6. Carefully follow the directions for medications
    (Mayo Clinic)

HOME CARE TIP:
Depression and anxiety can affect senior men, even though men are less likely to report symptoms than women. Loved ones should talk to aging men if they notice symptoms of these conditions, which can be harmful to a man’s health.
(WebMD)

2 replies
  1. Steve T
    Steve T says:

    We didn’t know my dad’s blood pressure was an issue until his doctor’s visit for a sinus infection. Thankfully we were able to control it with medication.

    Reply
  2. Taylor Hicken
    Taylor Hicken says:

    You made a good point when you shared that even sexually active senior men can contract HIV where they should be practicing safe sex. My friend just mentioned the other day that she is worried about her brother who has a relationship with a woman who is 20 years younger than him. I will suggest to her getting her brother HIV prevention pills that can be helpful with his situation.

    Reply

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