Historically, men have paid significantly less attention to their health compared to their female counterparts. So much so that 60% of males don’t even visit the doctor when they need to. Men’s Health Month provides a great opportunity to highlight the common health issues senior males should be checking on throughout the year. While lifestyle, family history, and age play a major role in how we shift our health concerns, it’s still important to visit your doctor regularly and to have a general familiarity with changes you see within yourself. Below we’ve compiled a list of 3 important health concerns to pay attention to as you age.
Historically, men have paid significantly less attention to their health compared to their female counterparts. So much so that 60% of males don’t even visit the doctor when they need to. Men’s Health Month provides a great opportunity to highlight the common health issues senior males should be checking on throughout the year. While lifestyle, family history, and age play a major role in how we shift our health concerns, it’s still important to visit your doctor regularly and to have a general familiarity with changes you see within yourself. Below we’ve compiled a list of 3 important health concerns to pay attention to as you age.
Diabetes
Around 25% of adults 65 and older have been diagnosed with diabetes, making age one of the leading causes. This may due to the fact that as you age you are consistently losing muscle mass while simultaneously gaining weight. The combination of the two ultimately provide the perfect environment for diabetes to develop. Common symptoms to look out for day to day include fatigue, extreme hunger, increased thirst, etc. (you can find more symptoms here!). It’s also crucial to become familiar with the additional conditions that diabetes can ignite, as the complications increase as you age. Diabetes has been linked to erectile dysfunction, various cardiovascular issues, strokes, and kidney damage. To cope with diabetes, focus on changing over to a permanent healthy lifestyle. Add a 30-minute walk into your morning routine, or even simply replace your usual afternoon snack with an apple!
Cognitive Decline
While memory loss is extremely common with old age, development of dementia or Alzheimer’s is not. It’s important to recognize the differences and become familiar with the signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s. Understand that typical, age-related memory loss could be as simple as forgetting an appointment or someone’s name, but eventually remembering later in the day. However, a red flag signaling something more serious could be asking for the same information over and over again or constantly having to rely on memory aids (e.g. reminder notes or electronic devices). A great way to avoid any overlooks on important Alzheimer symptoms is to alert your family and educate yourselves on what to look out for so you are well prepared for anything that comes your way.
Arthritis
Many seniors may feel that the twinge in their hip, or the shooting pain throughout their arm is just something that comes with age. However, it could be something more serious, so it’s important to give the proper amount of attention to it. With more than 4.5 million Canadians affected by arthritis, which is more than cancer and heart disease, it’s an issue that’s worth highlighting. Arthritis tends to fall under two main umbrellas, osteoarthritis and inflammatory arthritis. The former causing bones to rub together due to the breakdown in cartilage, while the latter being caused by the body’s own immune system attacking healthy joints and tissues. When you feel your joints start to inflame and become stiff, contact your doctor right away. The cost to your quality of life can be quite large, so the sooner you have medical attention, the better.
It’s never too late to take control of your health. Speak with your health care provider and allow clarity in places where you have concern. Be as transparent with your doctor as possible, to give yourself the best possible chance for relief.