Increased health and wellbeing into the senior years
Generally amongst populations of different countries, men have a lower life expectancy than women. With a lot of discussion in many political arenas of increasing the age of retirement, it is becoming increasingly necessary for men to take charge of improving their health. Quality of life, and increased functionality and mobility should be normal as men age, not a slow decline of health. Men can do much to be a health hero, and increase their potential for increased physical strength, functionality and mobility and healthy mental faculties well into their senior years.
Health Heroes have Health Checks
Primary or preventive health for men helps them become aware of what they need to do in order to reduce the risk of developing a chronic disease as they get older. A visit to the local general practitioner for an annual or bi-annual health screening check will help ensure that the man will be aware of all his vital statistics. These include blood pressure, HDL and LDL cholesterol levels, heart health, liver health, lung health, digestive system health, cancer free status and levels of nutrients in the blood. The GP can also discuss mental health, and how his reproductive organs and sexual wellbeing are going.
Men and Mental Health
A lot of men are unsure of how to approach mental health with their doctor or health practitioner. They are more likely to describe symptoms of depression such as lethargy and tiredness, and lack of motivation, rather than using diagnostic terms such as “depression.” There is much being done to alleviate the stigma attached to mental illness, and the promotion of mental health and the importance it has attached to the rest of the health of the body is being emphasized among various international health promotion campaigns. Men in rural areas, and remote areas are particularly vulnerable to symptoms such as depression and anxiety, and they have concern as to how they can provide for their families if they are working in rural environments. Many countries have specialist telephone counseling services for men, and it is extremely important for men to access these telephone counseling services should they have any concerns about themselves, their families or their jobs.
General Health and Wellbeing
A general healthy lifestyle which includes a healthy diet, six to nine hours sleep per night, abstinence from daily tobacco use, no more than two alcoholic drinks per day and several days per week without alcohol, and regular exercise of at least 150 minutes over 5 sessions per week will significantly reduce the risk factors for men developing health problems. Primary and preventive care makes men responsible for choosing healthy behaviors, and encouraging these healthy activities among their friends. Healthy male friendships include sports teams and social clubs from work. There are usually men’s shed type activities attached in some communities to church organizations. They cater specifically to men’s interests. It is important to have interests and hobbies outside the home, to promote health and mental wellbeing. A man does not have to be a gym junkie to be healthy, but a generally healthy lifestyle will help him perform well in all areas including in enjoying his sex life.
Men and Sexual Health
When a man is healthy and his cardiovascular system is working properly, he will have no difficulty in getting and maintaining an erection. He should also have no trouble urinating in a strong stream. If a man has any issues or concerns about his sex life, including maintaining an erection, or difficulty urinating, he can discuss these problems confidentially with his doctor in order to help regain his confidence in the bedroom. Sex in a healthy committed relationship has been shown to be ideal for optimum mental wellbeing, and a man should also practice safe sex with his sex partners. Any discussion of these issues can be discussed confidentially with a doctor.
