It can be hard to separate out what’s just noise and what’s valuable when it comes to caring for our health. This is especially true for men, who according to some studies are roughly 32% less likely to consult their primary care physician. At Liberty HealthShare, we want all our members to live their fullest, happiest lives! This quarter let’s take a look, by age group, at the areas of health men should be mindful of to be happier, healthier, and long-time members of great communities like Liberty HealthShare.
Ages 18-39
It is natural to assume that most folks are going to be more active when they’re younger. The health concerns of men who range in ages from 18 to 39 will usually focus on activity as opposed to some of the more screening-based health concerns that come as men age. In this “summertime” of life, it’s a great thing for men to be focused on exercise and nutrition. By achieving at least 150 minutes per week of moderate aerobic activity and at least two days of moderate to high intensity muscle strength training, men can set themselves up for not only a fulfilling and capable life now, but a healthier life later. This can also be aided by eating a diet that is adequate in protein, fiber, and all the micro-nutrients that come from fruits and vegetables. Finally, this age range is a great time for men to focus on their mental health, developing healthy coping strategies and habits, while also trying to build positive relationships through recreational sports, church communities, and more!
Ages 40-49
Being active and eating right (or trying to make and maintain good relationships) doesn’t stop when a fella turns 40, but quadragenarians do have some other health items that they should start paying attention to. First, those between the ages of 40 to 49 should ask their doctor about a variety of testing and monitoring for blood pressure, cholesterol levels, diabetes risk, and more. Remember to reach out to the Liberty HealthShare team first to see what lab testing options are available to you and read more about that here! Around this time men should seriously start to explore ways to mitigate and reduce stress, as the insidious impact of unaddressed stress can lead to numerous negative health results!
Ages 50-64
The conversations men have with their medical providers once they turn 50 aren’t always the most fun, but they are crucial! While this testing can be done as early as age 45, now is the time to, if you haven't already, talk to your provider about colon cancer screening and prostate exams, something men of this age will want to complete annually. The good news for most Liberty HealthShare Members is that PSA tests and Cologuard screenings are eligible for sharing once every year for members ages 50 and older! Keeping up to date on these screenings can identify possible cancers while treatment and management have a higher likelihood of success. Finally, men of this age should consider changing their fitness goals to prioritize cardiovascular health and sleep. While men over 50 should absolutely still weight train (so long weak bones!) the importance of a healthy cardiovascular system far outweighs the number on the barbell!
Ages 65+
Once men have reached their senior years a few things may shift in their health needs. Of most note, there are numerous habits men can form to assist in healthy aging overall, such as nutrition optimization, additional preventative care, and more regular doctor’s visits. Exercise at this time should shift to low-impact cardio, like walking or light swimming, and strength training can be augmented to help prevent falls and increase balance. Finally, an emphasis on cognitive health should be explored to keep the mind, as well as communication and relationships, sharp! A variety of “brain games” such as crossword puzzles or Sudoku can be beneficial in this area, as well as regular meeting times with family and friends. Enjoy those retirement cups of coffee!
It’s clear that as men go through life, their health needs and areas of emphasis change and evolve. May Proverbs 16:31 apply to all the gentlemen of Liberty HealthShare as they earn their crown of glory through a righteous life! Always remember, no matter what stage of life you’re in, the Liberty HealthShare team is here to help you thrive in our powerful, supportive community!
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