Health

7 Health and Wellness Tips for Aging Men

Getting older may make you wiser, but is also means having to take better care of your health. While you may have gotten away with minimal exercise or drinking a six pack of beer on the weekends in the past, as you get older your body changes and you’re unlikely to bounce back as quickly. If you’re a man over the age of 50, knowing how to take proper care of yourself is a must, especially if you want to live another 50 years!

Here are 7 health and wellness tips for aging men.

1. Take Care of Your Heart

As we age, the risk of high blood pressure and heart disease increase. The risk of a heart attack in men climbs at the age of 45 and older. While it’s helpful to know the signs of a heart attack, such as shortness of breath or pain in the chest, it’s best to focus on preventing this sort of health condition versus addressing it when it happens.

One of the best ways to improve heart health is to stay physically active. This doesn’t mean you have to hit the gym every day of the week or train to run a marathon. Walking for a few minutes each day is quite beneficial. Getting your heart rate up is key.

Other tips to taking good care of your heart include:

  • Eating a heart healthy diet
  • Reducing alcohol intake
  • Minimizing stress levels
  • Lowering blood pressure levels

By taking care of your heart, you’re taking the necessary steps to age more healthily.

  1. Keep a Sharp Mind

Aging not only impacts our bodies physically, it also impairs are mental capability. As we get older, we lose neurons. This impacts reaction time, cognitive function, and memory. Getting older also increases the risk of mental health issues such as depression and anxiety.

Keeping a sharp mind doesn’t require too much effort. Take part in social activities. Listen to your favorite music. Practice mental exercises like completing a crossword puzzle or downloading a brain health app.

For mental health issues like depression, don’t hesitate to discuss your health with a psychologist. Getting the help you need lengthens your lifespan!

  1. Pay Attention to Sexual Health

You may be getting older, but rarely does that mean that things are slowing down in the bedroom! As an aging man, it’s pertinent to pay attention to your sexual health. This includes knowing how to spot common problems like an enlarged prostate, erectile dysfunction, and reduced sexual desire.

While it can be embarrassing to discuss sexual health issues with a doctor, many of these problems can be treated with medication and lifestyle changes. Erectile dysfunction can be effectively treated with Viagra while an enlarged prostate can be addressed with alpha blockers.

  1. Watch Your Diet

Getting older doesn’t mean that you have to cut out the foods you love. What it does mean is that you need to be more mindful about what you eat. Your diet should consist of wholesome foods, consisting of mostly:

  • Fruits and vegetables
  • Lean proteins
  • Whole grains
  • Nuts and legumes
  • Dairy products

Of course, it’s acceptable to splurge here and there and eat a bowl of ice cream or partake in a slice of cake. What’s important is that these foods aren’t an everyday occurrence!

Aside from what you eat, it’s also important to pay attention to what you’re putting on your food. One in 10 deaths is connected to eating too much salt. A diet that is high in sodium increases the risk of heart disease.

  1. Strengthen Your Bones

Getting older seems to be synonymous with cracking bones and aching joints. What some men fail to realize is that osteoporosis isn’t a disease that just impacts women. After the age of 50, men are also at risk of losing bone mass. To counteract this, take a calcium supplement as well as a probiotic. Studies have found that there’s a connection between bone density and probiotic supplements.

Aside from taking calcium in supplement form, be sure to eat calcium-rich foods like almonds, broccoli, kale, salmon, and whole-fat dairy products.

  1. Stay Active

We can hear the groans already, but staying active is an important part of your overall health. Not only does physical activity keep your physically fit, it’s also beneficial for your mental and emotional state. Exercise has been linked to the release of serotonin and norepinephrine, two brain chemicals that promote happiness.

Physical activity doesn’t have to be exhausting. Go for a walk. Take the stairs. Anything that gets your heart rate up counts as exercise.

  1. Quit Bad Habits

Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption are two of the worst things you can to your physical health. As you get older, it’s more important than ever to kick your bad habits to the curb. By putting an end to your vices, you’re able to effectively minimize the risk of common health issues like cancer, poor heart health, as well as damage to critical organs.

Conclusion

As you get older, taking care of your health becomes even more important. As an aging male, be sure to keep these 7 tips in mind to keep your health at optimal levels.

What are some good fitness tips that you have found useful as you have aged? Leave us a comment with your thoughts in the section below.

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