In this post, we’re going to give you the top 14 health tips for men over 50 in order to keep your man healthy & happy!
Obviously, we all have men in our lives who we love dearly.
For instance, we have our dads, brothers, husbands, sons, nephews, other family members, and our good friends.
However, for one reason or another many men don’t tend to put their health as their number one priority.
On the contrary, most women I know are pretty good about going regularly to the dentist, getting their mammograms, their well woman exams, and so on.
But for men, it’s not typically at the top of their list.
Well, the best way for that to change is to be proactive in order to maintain good health!
Top 14 Health Tips for Men Over 50
What Makes A Man Healthy?
There are a number of things that make a man healthy.
First off, know your family’s health history!
For example, having the knowledge that you have a family history of colon cancer or a higher risk of heart attack can help your doctor keep a closer eye on your health.
However, another huge part of it is maintaining your health by practicing good lifestyle habits and keeping up on preventative doctor appointments.
According to Livestrong and Mayo Clinic, these are the top 11 health issues for older men:
- Heart Disease
- High Cholesterol Levels
- Cancer – Lung, Skin, Prostate, Colorectal
- Bronchitis
- Emphysema
- Stroke
- Type 2 Diabetes
- Motor Vehicle Accidents
- HIV
- Syphilis
- Suicide
Luckily, there are ways to prevent these from happening!
And because I’m just so darn awesome, I’ve provided you with a handy graphic that you can print out on your computer.
Post it up on the refrigerator to remind your man AND to remind YOU to remind your man to keep up on these healthy habits.
This way, knowing the health tips for men over 50 won’t be a huge question mark.
Yeah, I know, it can be a buzzkill at times, but it’s either be the party-pooper or see your man suffer through health problems in his golden years.
1. Health Tips for Men Over 50: Belly Fat Check
Men are more likely than women to carry fat around their abdomens.
What’s more, belly fat is one of the risk factors that is more dangerous than fat in the hips and thighs because it settles around your organs.
Hence, this can cause chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes and stroke.
Men with a waist measurement of 40 inches or higher have an increased risk for these issues.
According to the American Heart Association, new research suggests that waist size in men can be a better predictor than BMI for the risk of Atrial Fibrillation or A-fib.
To measure your waist, relax and wrap a tape measure around your belly just above your hipbones.
2. Health Tips for Men Over 50: Self-Exams
Testicular cancer is most common in men between the ages of 18 and 35.
Therefore, checking your testicles on a monthly basis is important for men of all ages.
Yes, this is kind of awkward to talk about, but here’s how you do it:
- Gently roll the skin of your scrotum around your testicles with your thumb and fingertips.
- Your epididymis is the cord closer to your body that transports sperm.
- That is normal.
- However, if you notice any other bumps, lumps or areas of tenderness, report it to your doctor.
3. Health Tips for Men Over 50: Don’t Smoke
If you smoke or use other tobacco products, the best thing to do is to ask your doctor to help you quit.
In addition, avoid exposure to secondhand smoke as much as possible.
For help with quitting go to SmokeFree.gov.
To talk to someone about quitting, call the National Quitline at 1-800-QUITNOW (784-8669).
4. Health Tips for Men Over 50: Eat a Healthy Diet
Make good choices and include lots of:
- Vegetables
- Fruits
- Whole grains
- High-fiber foods
- Lean protein, like fish
- Low-fat dairy products
- Good oils like olive oil
- Also, limit red meat as well as foods that are high in saturated fat (like fast food), trans fats, sodium, and sugar.
Not only will eating a healthy diet with fewer calories keep your weight down, but also it will improve your energy levels.
Also, small changes over time can lead to big results!
If you’re not sure as to where to start with your new healthy eating plan, make an appointment with a registered dietitian who can help you.
5. Health Tips for Men Over 50: Manage Chronic Conditions
When you go to the doctor’s office, follow your PCP’s treatment recommendations for high cholesterol and high blood pressure as well as any other health concerns.
If you have diabetes, keep your blood sugar under control.
And while you’re at the doctor, find out if you should be checked for, and talk more in depth about, the following, based on your particular lifestyle and overall health:
- Skin Cancer
- Prostate Screening (to catch potential prostate cancer early)
- Testosterone Levels
- Colon Cancer
- Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
- Depression
- HIV
- Syphilis
6. Health Tips for Men Over 50: Exercise & Include Physical Activity Daily
Choose sports or other activities you like to do in order to form a habit of including regular exercise in your daily routine.
This includes cardiovascular activity as well as strength training to increase muscle mass.
Interestingly, physical activity on its own can improve heart health and may lower the risk of certain types of cancer as well as other medical conditions.
7. Health Tips for Men Over 50: Maintain a Healthy Weight
Being overweight can put your at higher risk for heart disease and various types of cancer.
Therefore, balance the calories you take in from food and drink with the calories you burn off.
In addition, track your BMI (Body Mass Index).
A BMI over 30 is considered obese.
Work with your doctor on getting help to lose weight.
Obesity can lead to diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Take active steps for disease prevention as well as disease control.
8. Health Tips for Men Over 50: Limit Alcohol
Only drink alcohol in moderation.
Excess alcohol consumption can raise blood pressure and increase your risk of various types of cancer, including colon, lung, kidney and liver cancer.
9. Health Tips for Men Over 50: Manage Stress
Feeling constantly on edge can cause your healthy lifestyle habits to suffer.
Taking care of your mental health is just as important as taking care of your physical health.
So, take steps to reduce stress.
Also, learn how to deal with stress in healthy ways, such as physical exercise.
10. Health Tips for Men Over 50: Protect Yourself from the Sun
We all know that too much sun exposure can lead to skin cancer and premature aging.
Therefore, apply sunscreen and cover up whenever you’re outdoors.
11. Health Tips for Men Over 50: Avoid Pollutants
Minimize exposure to chemicals and outdoor air pollution.
12. Health Tips for Men Over 50: Take Measures to Prevent the Flu & Pneumonia
- Wash your hands often.
- Get an annual flu vaccination.
- If recommended by your doctor, get a pneumonia vaccination as well.
13. Health Tips for Men Over 50: Take Preventative Medicines If Needed
If 45 or older, ask your doctor if you should take aspirin for heart health and to prevent heart disease.
14. Health Tips for Men Over 50: Drive Safely
Car crashes are a leading cause of fatal accidents among men.
Therefore, use common sense when driving:
- Wear your seat belt.
- Drive the speed limit.
- Don’t drive after drinking alcohol or after using any mind altering substances.
- Don’t drive while sleepy.
Men can drastically keep the odds in their favor by following the above lifestyle measures
However, to cover all their bases, men also need to keep up with doctor’s appointments and screenings.
Health Screenings Men should request from their doctor:
- Blood Pressure
- Skin Cancer
- Prostate Screening (PSA Test, Prostate-Specific Antigen levels)
- Testosterone Levels (a simple blood test)
- Colon Cancer
- Diabetes
- Cholesterol
- Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
- Depression
- Immunizations
- Go to CDC website
- HIV
- Syphilis
In addition, American Cancer Society has a very informative article on Cancer Facts for Men.
Lastly, here’s a great YouTube video from Mayo Clinic reinforcing the importance of men’s health and preventative care:
Whew! This is quite a list of habits to keep up with!
But doing these things in order to prevent irreversible damage, especially for older adults, is key to a long, healthy, happy life.
It’s SO worth being diligent and following these guidelines.
Because, we all want to live to see our children grow up, become successful and start a family of their own.
And we all want to spoil our grandchildren and live the ‘Golden Years’ in a happy and healthy way!
Lastly, for more motivational health tips to be your best self, click on over to:
Helpful Tips On Getting Yourself To A Healthy Weight
Massage Envy Urbana: Maintaining Total Body Wellness
3 Starting Points For Becoming The Greatest Version Of Yourself
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Great advice, now if the men we know would take this advice, at least some of it…..!!! I don’t remember if you mentioned having a PSA test??
Thank you Cheryl! Yes, prostate screening is mentioned under ‘Manage Chronic Conditions’, but I’m glad you mentioned it. Prostate screenings are so important!