9 Critical Health Guidelines for Middle-Aged Men

Many aging men are uncomfortable coming to terms with their mortality. Unfortunately, as NIDirect points out, they face a number of health issues as they get older.

Getting older is just something that happens and can mean making changes to the way you live your life. Here are some tips to do so and remain healthy.

See Your Healthcare Provider

It is important that you see your healthcare provider regularly.  This should be done whether you feel healthy or not.  Ideally, you should have a check-up once each year.  When you do feel sick, you need to contact your healthcare provider.

You may not experience symptoms, but still be in poor health. The CDC estimates that 21.6% of adults over the age of 65 are in poor or fair health. Men are slightly less likely to have obesity or hypertension than women their same age, but they still have worse issues as they get older.

According to surveys, men are less likely to see their healthcare providers when they are not feeling well.  In one survey, 40% of men questioned stated that they would delay getting medical assistance when sick for a few days.  Of these men, 17% stated they would wait at least a week.  This is a mistake because prompt medical care can make a lot of difference in the outcome of an illness.

Take Medication As Directed

Medication is important as you get older. The CDC reports that people over 65 take 34% of all medication. Some of them don’t take medication properly.

If you are taking medication, supplements or vitamins or even pills to help with erectile issues, you should only take them as directed. Visit prescriptiondoctor.com for such medications online.  You should take the medication when you see your healthcare provider or have a list of what you take and when you take them.  This is something you need to do with over-the-counter products as well.

This is important because the older you get and the more medication you take, the more likely side effects will be.  Your healthcare provider can also check that it is safe to take everything and that there are no harmful interactions.  Before you take any new medications or supplements, you need to talk to your doctor or pharmacist.  If you do feel any side effects, you need to tell your healthcare provider immediately.

Get Your Shots

You should be getting a flu shot in September or October each year at the start of flu season.  You also need to get the shingles vaccine once when you are over the age of 60.  Every 10 years, you also need to get a combination Diptheria/tetanus booster shot.  Once after the age of 65, you should also get a pneumonia vaccination which is boosted every 6 to 7 years.

Use Sunscreen

Sun damage is more likely as you get older and your skin ages.  This will increase the risks of skin cancer and why you need to use sunscreen.  This is an added protection and you should supplement this with a wide brim hat.

Lower The Risks Of Falls And Fractures

To boost your bones, you need to get calcium and vitamin D each day.  Ideally, you should be getting 1500 mg of calcium each day.  Your healthcare provider will be able to tell you how much vitamin D you will need.

Research has found that older people are not getting enough vitamin D.  This is a vitamin that you need as it helps you stay healthy.  You can also do exercises to boost the strength of your bones such as jogging or walking.  Strength training is also good for your bone strength.  If you have fallen in the past, you need to talk to your healthcare provider about exercise programs and training that help you with flexibility and balance.

Do Not Smoke

If you do smoke, you need to look at quitting.  You should also tell your healthcare provider that you are a smoker and they should be able to help you quit.  There are also a lot of programs you can use to help you quit smoking.

Eat Correctly

Healthy foods are necessary regardless of your age, but you will need fewer calories.  The USDA Choose My Plate website will be able to help you choose a healthier diet.  Your healthcare provider can also help with this.

Exercise Your Brain

To keep the brain active, you should join a discussion or book club.  You can also sign up for classes at the local library or community college. Word puzzles and other puzzles should also be done if they interest you.  Trying new things is also a good way to keep your brain active. There are free games from AARP that you can use where you play alone or with others.

Exercise Your Body

Exercising regularly is also important to maintain good health and should be done regardless of age.  Combining exercise with a healthy diet, you will be able to reach and maintain a healthy weight. Exercise also tones the heart, boosts circulation and strengthens your muscles.  You will also see an improvement in your moods and exercise can help ease feelings of depression.

Exercising with other people is also fun and you can socialize at the same time.  The CDC has a lot of advice on exercising focused on older people.  Your healthcare provider will also be able to help you create an exercise plan that works for you.

Drink in Moderation

You should talk to your healthcare provider to find out if drinking alcohol is something you should be doing at all.  Moderate drinking for older men will be no more than 3 drinks per day or 7 drinks per week.  If you are taking certain medications or have a specific health problem, you might have lower amounts or not be able to drink at all.

Spend Time with Others

You need to spend time with other people and join group activities.  This will help you emotionally, physically and mentally.  It can also boost your brain while lifting your mood.  Try volunteering or jointing a group involved in something you enjoy.

Make Healthy Living a Priority as You Get Older

As you get older, living a healthy lifestyle becomes more important. Men need to follow the right steps to avoid these issues.