While deciding on that perfect Father’s Day gift for Dad, why not put some additional thought into how to improve his health and wellbeing? June is Men’s Health Month, and it’s the perfect time to encourage the senior men we love to adopt healthy lifestyle choices. It starts with understanding some of the unique health issues older men may face, and how to avoid them.
Encouraging a medical checkup for the senior men in your life, who tend to be less likely to go to the doctor, is a great starting point. It’s the best way to ensure early detection and treatment for the following types of health conditions that can impact men in particular.
Top Health Conditions Impacting Men
- Heart disease is the leading health threat to men. Steps to minimize the risk include:
- Quitting smoking
- Keeping blood pressure at a healthy level
- Exercising at least 30 minutes each day
- Reducing trans and saturated fat and replacing with fruits and vegetables
- Getting cholesterol checked regularly
- Prostate cancer affects one in six men each year, but the survival rate is quite high, especially when detected early. All men should talk with the doctor about when and how often to be screened.
- Depression is prevalent in men, but effective treatment options are readily available once diagnosed.
- Diabetes can sneak up slowly and silently and is becoming increasingly common in men. In fact, one in three boys born in 2000 will develop diabetes. Exercise and a healthy diet are key to reducing the risk for diabetes.
Steps to Better Health for Men
In addition to the tips provided above, these simple lifestyle changes can help the senior men you love live longer, healthier lives:
- See the doctor regularly for routine checkups, and contact the doctor when ill. As many as 40% of men avoid seeing the doctor if they become sick, or put off going until the illness worsens. Getting medical care right away can mean the difference between life and death.
- Ask the doctor about screenings for the following, which are recommended by Johns Hopkins for all men age 65 and older:
- Abdominal aortic aneurysm
- Colorectal cancer
- Lipid disorders
- High blood pressure
- Depression
- Diabetes
- STDs
- Make sure all vaccinations are up to date, including those for the flu, shingles, pneumonia, tetanus/diphtheria, and COVID-19.
- Assess the home for fall risks and make modifications as needed. In addition, ensure sufficient levels of calcium and vitamin D are consumed daily (according to the doctor’s recommendations) to keep bones healthy and protect against fractures if a fall does occur.
- Keep cognitive function from declining by staying mentally sharp. Sign up for continuing education classes (in person or online), play memory games, do puzzles, etc.
- Take care of mental health, too. It’s important to stay social, engage in enjoyable and meaningful activities, and talk with a professional counselor or therapist to work through any emotional concerns.
It’s also a great time to plan some fun, health-promoting activities to enjoy together with the older men in your life, such as:
- Taking walks
- Bowling
- Swimming
- Golfing
- Tennis
- Bicycling
- Gardening
- Going to the gym
- Cooking healthy meals together
- And so much more - the sky’s the limit!
At American, Advocate, and Whitsyms In-Home Care, we offer referred care providers who can help in a variety of ways to improve both the physical and mental wellbeing of the seniors you love. Our services range from meal planning and preparation and help with household chores to transportation and companionship, and much more.
Contact us to find out more about how the addition of Florida home care services can benefit the older adults in your life. Reach out to the office nearest you by clicking the links below to get started:
- American In-Home Care – Serving North, Central, and West Coast of Florida
- Advocate In-Home Care – Serving Southeast and Southwest Florida
- Whitsyms In-Home Care – Serving Southeast and Southwest Florida
State of Florida License and Registration Numbers: 30211518, 30211651, 30211295, 30211390, 30210978, 30211293, 30211382, 30211504, 30211733, 30211535, 30211531, 30211710, 30211709, 30211045, 5661
