This Father’s Day let’s focus on Dad and Men’s health.
As we age, we need to start to take a closer look at our health. Our bodies change and that means so do our needs. Maintaining good health doesn’t have to be difficult.
Men tend to start gaining weight, have prostate concerns, and may experience more pain. Taking care of ourselves before things get out of hand is the best way to beat these concerns. And even though women have a higher risk of Alzheimer’s and other dementias they are not immune. As such, studies show that maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help Dad push back the clock on many diseases. Father’s Day may be a great time to start having a conversation with dad about his health.
Staying Healthy After 50
Once men reach the age of 50 and beyond, it is time to start taking their health more seriously. They need to be more aware of their limitations physically. They need to take their diet into consideration. And if you have a man in your life over 50 you know this is not easy to get them to do. Studies show that most people this age tend to view themselves as 10 to 15 years younger than they really are. As such your dad may not think twice about climbing on the roof the clean out the gutters. A great Father’s Day gift might be a gift of your time to take care of some of those chores.
Visit Your Doctor
Make sure you visit your doctor at least once a year, if not twice. Get a complete physical and consider having certain screenings done. Checks for certain types of cancer, like prostate and colon.
Keep an eye on your cholesterol and your blood pressure. These can get out of hand and lead to heart disease and strokes. These are very simple tests that should be done regularly.
A screen for diabetes should also be considered. If caught early, it is easier to treat. and studies have proven there is a direct connection between diabetes and dementia.
Change Your Diet
Eating anything you like will not be easy for you as you get older. You need to cut back on the amount of red meat and dairy you consume. Pay attention to any health issues you already have. And talk to your doctor about a diet plan that is best for you.
Make sure you eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables and drink plenty of fluids. Increase the whole grains, legumes, lean meats, and nuts. Keep an eye on your saturated fats, trans fats, cholesterol, salt, and added sugars.
Changing the amount you eat will also help keep you healthier. Portion control will keep you from becoming overweight and keep certain types of diseases at bay.
Exercise
While you may not be able to do the exercises you did 20 years ago, staying active is very important. Even taking a brisk walk every day will help your heart and lungs.
It keeps your joints moving and helps keep your weight down. It helps with your balance and flexibility. Physical activity can help reduce the risk of some diseases, including dementia.
Workout with weights, incorporate some type of cardio and consider stretching, as well. Yoga is great for helping keep muscles toned, it helps to reduce stress and keeps you loose and flexible.
Quitting
If you still smoke, even a little, it’s time to quit. The best time to quit smoking is 20 years ago. This is the second-best time. Smoking is responsible for any number of health problems. Yours and those around you.
Cutting back on your alcohol consumption is also important. If you have wine with dinner, don’t have any more than two glasses. Try to keep your alcohol intake to only a few in social settings.
Junk food like candy, french fries, potato chips, and hot dogs need to be curtailed. It can be difficult to say no, but try to opt for healthier snacking choices, like raw carrots, whole wheat crackers, or dry popcorn.
Go To Bed
Getting a proper night’s sleep is going to be very important as you age. It helps keep your mind clear, helps you focus and stay alert. While we sleep, our bodies heal and repair.
As we age, our physical activity decreases and we may have trouble sleeping. It can also be difficult to sleep if we are worried or stressed about something. We may sleep lighter than usual due to a decrease in testosterone.
People of a certain age tend to take naps during the day, either on purpose or by design. Try to stay awake during the day if you have trouble sleeping at night.
Increasing your activity during the day can help you sleep better. Also, consider setting a bedtime and then prepare for it. Turn off all your devices, take a warm bath, and keep your room dark and quiet.
Socialize
Group of laughing seniors in a coffeehouse
It is important to see friends and family. Keep in touch and make a point to attend certain functions and events. It gives you a reason to get up and out of the house if you find yourself needing one.
Your friends and family will also be able to notice changes in your appearance that you may not. Often, we don’t notice weight gain, pale complexion, or if we look tired or ill.
Staying in touch with people makes the time pass more pleasantly. If you are on your own, consider joining a club or group. Find an activity you enjoy and join others who enjoy it, too. And if your Dad is having a hard time staying social, this Father’s Day consider a gift of a membership to a group he would be interested in.
We may not be able to continue to live the way we did in our 20s or 30s, but who really wants to? We have to adjust to a new way of life. Taking care of yourself will help you see a long and happy life.