Healthy Aging More Difficult for Men?
June is National Men’s Health Month, a time to recognize preventable health problems and encourage early detection and treatment of disease for healthy aging. It may come as a surprise, but according to Dr. David Gremillion of the Men’s Health Network (MHN), “There is a silent health crisis in America…It’s a fact that, on average, American men live sicker and die younger than American women.”
The Facts About Men’s Fitness
Here are some facts regarding men’s wellbeing from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention and MHN:
• Men die earlier than women–on average, five years.
• The leading causes of death for men are heart disease, followed by cancer, and accidental injuries.
• Men have fewer infection-fighting cells and are thought to have weaker immune systems.
• Excluding pregnancy-related office visits, women make twice as many preventative care visits as men.
• Over 7 million American men haven’t seen a doctor in more than 10 years.
So guys, buck up and pay attention. Many of the issues affecting your health are related to preventable factors. And ladies, because seven out of 10 baby boomer wives are expected to outlive their husbands, it’s in our best interest to coax our hubbies/significant others to make healthier lifestyle choices.
What You Can Do Now
• For couples, schedule simultaneous medical appointments and make plans to do something fun together afterwards.
• Don’t ignore symptoms such as chest pains and difficulty breathing.
• The best exercise program is one you enjoy! Experiment with different modalities, and choose a physical activity you can see yourself doing for years.
• Schedule regular medical check-ups as recommended by your healthcare professional.
• Eat foods high in fiber and phytochemicals (fruits, vegetables, and whole grains) and omega-3 fatty acids (fish, flaxseed, chia seeds, walnuts) to control chronic inflammation, connected with diabetes, heart disease, cancer, and dementia.
• Stop smoking.
Check out my ebook for more information about fitness and fitness myths for folks over 50.