Tip Sheet: Good Health in Later Life For Older Men

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Americans are living longer than ever, but American men still aren’t living as long as American women. The average life expectancy for men in the US is now roughly 75 years. For women, it’s more than 80.

Exactly why men are shorter-lived than women isn’t entirely clear. Even in infancy boys run a higher risk of dying than girls, and researchers aren’t sure why. However, research suggests that a leading reason for the “longevity gap” between men and women is that men don’t take care of themselves as well as women do. For example, surveys have found that women are much more likely to have a regular healthcare provider, and to see their provider within the course of the year, than men are. Men are also more likely to engage in “risky” behaviors – like smoking and drinking heavily – than women.

Experts agree that by taking better care of themselves, men can increase their odds of living healthier, longer lives.

Tips for Older Men

  1. See your healthcare provider regularly. Even if you feel perfectly healthy, you should see your provider at least once a year for a checkup.
  2. Call or see your healthcare provider when you’re feeling sick. Surveys find that men are less likely than women to see a healthcare provider when they’re not feeling well. In one survey, 40% of men said that, if they were sick, they would delay seeking medical care for a few days. Seventeen percent said they would wait “at least a week.” Prompt medical care can make a big difference - sometimes, the difference between life and death. Don’t wait.
  3. Take medications, vitamins, and supplements only as directed. When you visit your provider, bring either all of the pills you take, or a complete list of these that notes the doses you take, and how often you take them. Include medicines, vitamins, herbs and supplements (even those you buy in the store without a prescription). Why? Because the longer you live, and the more medicines you take, the more likely you are to experience some side effects, even from medicines bought over-the-counter at the pharmacy. Your provider should check all of your pills to make sure they’re safe for you to take, and that they don’t interact in harmful ways. Always check with your provider, or your pharmacist, before taking any new medicines of any kind. Take all medicines as directed, and tell your provider right away if a medication or other pill seems to be causing any problems or side effects.
  4. Get your shots! Check with your healthcare provider to make sure you’re getting:
    • A flu shot—every year in September or October before the flu season starts (you can find more information about flu at the CDC website.)
    • The shingles (herpes zoster) vaccine—once when 60 or older.
    • A combination tetanus/diphtheria booster shot— every 10 years.
    • Pneumonia vaccination—once after age 65 (your healthcare provider may suggest that you also get “booster” pneumonia shots every 6 or 7 years).
  5. Use sunscreen. Aging skin is more susceptible to sun damage, which increases risks of skin cancer. Use sunscreen year round and, for added protection, wear a wide-brimmed hat.
  6. Lower your risk of falls and fractures. Be sure to get plenty of bone-healthy calcium and vitamin D daily. Aim for 1500 mg of calcium daily. Talk to your healthcare provider about how much vitamin D you need. Research suggests that many older adults aren’t getting enough of this nutrient, which plays many key roles in keeping you healthy. Do weight-bearing, bone-building exercises such as walking and jogging. Weightlifting and other strength training exercises are also good for your bones. If you’ve fallen in the past, ask your healthcare provider about local exercise programs that include strength training as well as balance, flexibility, and stretching exercises.
  7. Don’t smoke; quit if you do. Tell your healthcare provider if you smoke; he or she can help you stop. For additional help, call 1-800-QUIT NOW or visit Healthfinder.gov's section on quitting smoking. It’s never too late to quit.
  8. Eat right. In later life, you still need to eat healthy foods, though you need fewer calories. The USDA’s website Choose My Plate can help you and your healthcare provider choose a healthier diet. 
  9. Exercise your brain. Join a book or discussion club. Sign up for a class at the local library, senior center, or community college (some offer free classes for older adults). Do word puzzles, number puzzles, jigsaw puzzles – whatever interests you. Make sure you challenge your brain by trying new things, and playing against the clock rather than just repeating the same exercises over and over again. AARP provides free games of all kinds, to play alone or with others.
  10. Exercise your body. Regular exercise is important for good health, no matter how old you are. Along with a healthy diet, exercise helps you reach and maintain a healthy weight. It tones up your heart, circulation, and muscles; strengthens bones; boosts brain function; lifts your mood; and can help prevent and ease depression. If you exercise with others you also get the fun and benefits of their company. The CDC offers great advice on exercising that’s tailored to older adults. Your healthcare provider can help you come up with an exercise program that’s right for you.
  11. Drink only in moderation. Check with your healthcare provider to make sure that drinking alcohol—in light to moderate amounts—is alright for you. For older men, moderate drinking means no more than 3 drinks on a given day or 7 drinks total in a week. (One drink = 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine, or 1.5 ounces of hard liquor.) If you have a health problem or take certain medications, you may need to drink less or not at all.
  12. Spend time with others. Spending time and doing things with other people, of all ages, can help keep you mentally, physically and emotionally fit. It can also give your brain a boost and lift your mood. So volunteer, or join community or other groups and get involved in activities you enjoy.
  13. Get checked out!   Screening, or checking, for early signs of certain health problems can help diagnose them early.  The following screening approaches are generally recommended for older men; ask your healthcare provider if they’re right for you.
    • Bone health evaluation: Periodically. Your healthcare provider should evaluate your risk of osteoporosis, or “thinning of the bones.” (It’s not just a woman’s disease.) Your healthcare provider should evaluate your risk and possibly recommend further testing. Remember: exercise strengthens the bones at any age. 
    • Blood pressure check: At least once a year.
    • Cholesterol test for high blood cholesterol levels: Cholesterol screening should be done after consulting with your healthcare provider. Screening frequency depends on your age and general health.
    • Diabetes check: At least once; if you have high blood pressure or high blood cholesterol levels, or diabetes runs in your family, get checked every three years.
    • Screenings for prostate cancer and colorectal cancer: Geriatrics experts now do not recommend screening for either colorectal or prostate cancer without first considering life expectancy. Studies have shown that the short-term risks may not be worth the benefits if life expectancy is under 10 years. You should talk to your healthcare provider if you have any concerns about these screenings.
    • Hearing and vision screening: every year.
    • Depression screening: every year. If you feel down, sad, or hopeless for two or more weeks, or have little interest in or get little pleasure from things you once enjoyed, you may be depressed. Don’t try to “tough it out.” Untreated depression is bad for your mental and physical health. Talk to your healthcare provider and get the treatment you need.
    • Abdominal aortic aneurysm screening: once between the ages of 65 and 75 if you’ve ever smoked. An abdominal aortic aneurysm is an enlarged or swollen blood vessel in your abdomen that can be dangerous. If your healthcare provider finds you have an abdominal aortic aneurysm, it can be treated.
    • Dental check-up: As often as your dentist recommends, and at least once a year. Your dentist should clean your teeth and check for cavities. If you wear dentures, they should be checked to make sure they still fit properly. Your dentist should also check for signs of diseases of the mouth, including cancer.
    • Sexually transmitted disease screening: If you are sexually active but not in a monogamous relationship, these screenings are important at any age. Talk with your healthcare provider about this and how to practice safe sex.
    • Discussion about sexual concerns: erectile dysfunction (ED), or difficulty getting or maintaining an erection, is relatively common among older men. You should let your healthcare provider know if you have ED both because it can be treated and because it can be an early warning sign of heart and artery disease.
    • Other screening tests: As recommended by your healthcare provider.

 

Last updated June 2019

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