Introduction
There are specific health problems that often have an impact on men, both at a younger age, and when they get older. Some men’s health issues can occur because of natural changes in the body that happen with age, such as low testosterone levels. This can lower your libido, and impact your moods.
There are other conditions that pose a risk for men as they age, such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, and diabetes. The development of these conditions often depends on lifestyle factors and how well you have taken care of your body. Following a healthy diet and exercising on a regular basis can reduce the risk of contracting a disease. Some of the worst foods for men include sugary, fatty, oily foods like French fries, white bread, snack bars, and donuts.
Following are some of the most common men’s health problems:
1) Sexual Diseases
While a man is still single, it is important to recognize the risk of contracting a sexually transmitted disease and to practice safe sex. There are several conditions out there, including HPV, herpes, syphilis, chlamydia, and HIV. Some of them can lead to more serious problems if untreated. Using condoms and dental dams will do a lot to protect you against these diseases.
Otherwise, the most important thing you can do is educate yourself about safe sex and talk to each sex partner you have about their sexual history. This is often an uncomfortable discussion to have, but it’s crucial to men’s health.
2) Cancer
Men are at high risk for several different cancers, including skin, colon, prostate, and lung. While skin and lung cancers may occur at any age, the risk of colon and prostate cancers goes up as men get older.
People with fair skin are more likely to develop skin cancer, compared to those who are darker. To avoid developing this condition, it is important to either stay out of the sun or wear a good sunblock outside throughout your life. If you notice any moles or unusual spots on your skin, get them checked right away.
With lung cancer, one of the biggest risks is smoking. If you do smoke, consider quitting and significantly cutting your risk of developing this disease.
The American Cancer Society suggests that men who are at average risk should begin screening for colon cancer at age 45 and prostate cancer at age 50.
3) Heart Disease
A heart attack occurs when the flow of blood to the heart becomes blocked by a blood clot or a buildup of fat. Research suggests that having a heart attack is twice as likely in men as in women, even when allowing for factors like exercise, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and body mass index (1).
The best way to lower your risk of developing heart disease is to follow a healthy lifestyle. Stay away from refined sugars, trans fats, and oily, greasy food. Include lots of fruits and vegetables in your diet, lean meats, fish, healthy grains, and other foods rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Exercise several times a week, if not every day.
4) Impotence and Low Libido
Impotence and low libido can happen to a man at any age, but it’s more likely to happen when you’re older. This is because hormone levels drop over time, and many men end up with low testosterone levels. This can reduce sex drive, and it may also diminish the size of your muscles.
Erectile dysfunction can occur on its own, or as a side effect of other conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure. Poor circulation can also lead to erectile issues. One option for treatment if you don’t want prescription medication is to buy one of the best male enhancement pills on the
market. Do some research if you want an organic solution.
5) Diabetes and Obesity
According to the World Health Organization, the rate of obesity globally has almost tripled since 1975. As of 2016, 39% of the world population was overweight and 13% were obese. This is a huge global health problem, mostly because it leads to so many other conditions.
One of the diseases that you are at risk for if you’re obese is diabetes. There’s also a genetic component to this illness. Diabetes affects how your body makes use of blood sugar.
It opens up the door to several other possible medical conditions such as cardiovascular disease, nerve damage, foot damage, skin conditions, depression, hearing impairment, and Alzheimer’s disease (2).
If you suffer from obesity, go to your doctor and come up with a plan for how to lose weight. You will probably get a referral to a nutritionist. If you want to lower your risk of these problems, it’s important to try to get to a healthy weight.
6) ADHD
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a condition that usually begins in childhood and continues over the years. It involves restlessness, impulsive behaviour, hyperactivity, and difficulty concentrating.
Many times, men are not diagnosed until adulthood, while no doubt the condition affected them for their whole life. According to the Mayo Clinic, ADHD can cause low self-esteem, poor school and work performance, and unstable relationships.
The treatment for ADHD in adults is therapy, be it individual counselling or group. Following a healthy regimen is also helpful, with exercise and a nutritious diet. An article in Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment suggested both therapy and medication for adults with this condition.
7) Mental Health
Mental health problems can develop at any age. Men may suffer from depression, anxiety disorders, or other mental health issues at some point in life, for a variety of reasons from genetics to overwhelming stress.
When men get older and their testosterone levels drop, there is a higher likelihood of developing depression. A study published in the Caspian Journal of Internal Medicine found a strong link between low testosterone levels and depression in elderly men in Iran. One solution to this is to buy one of the best testosterone boosters available.
Sometimes depression can lead to thoughts of suicide. People often become so down they can no longer see any solution to their problems, and they think people are better off without them although this is far from true.
If you are having these thoughts, share them with your doctor and someone you are close to right away. There are also hotlines you can call in every country:
https://faq.whatsapp.com/general/security-and-privacy/global-suicide-hotline-resources/
The International Association for Suicide Prevention has numerous resources including contact information for crisis centers internationally. If you think someone you know is considering suicide, speak up, and have a conversation with them about it.
Evaluate how much risk you think they’re in right now and provide help and support. Do everything possible to convince the person to get medical and psychiatric help immediately.
8) Alcohol Abuse
Overall, research reports that men drink more than women. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 4-5% of men and 2.5% of women currently meet the criteria for alcohol dependence.
They also cite that men consistently have more alcohol-related deaths and hospitalizations compared to women. Alcohol abuse in men can also lead to increased aggression, and it elevates the number of car accidents and fatalities.
Men who abuse alcohol or are suffering from alcoholism can get help. There are AA, counselling, and addiction centers. You can also contact an addiction hotline.
9) Lung Disease
Some men may develop respiratory conditions with age, such as chronic bronchitis, asthma, or emphysema. All these conditions together fall under one term, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. This is a condition that used to affect men much more, but as more women began smoking the numbers increased (3).
The highest risk of developing lung disease is in men who smoke. If you already have a lung problem, it’s a good time to try to stop smoking. There are therapy groups to help with this. Medical help is available for these problems, so make sure you keep in contact with your doctor.
10) Pneumonia and the Flu
As men get older their health is less robust, and it becomes more likely that they start getting the flu often and even pneumonia. The chance of this is more likely if there is a history of lung problems like COPD, or smoking. There is a pneumonia vaccine you can get, so speak to your doctor about it.
As these illnesses are more serious for an older person than someone younger, it’s important to take good care of yourself if you fall into this group. Follow a healthy diet high in nutrients, vitamins, and minerals and make sure to get regular exercise.
11) Prostate Cancer
This is the most common form of cancer that men develop. The risk goes up as they get older, and there is also a genetic aspect. It tends to develop slowly, and some men may have no symptoms at first. Later symptoms include difficulty urinating, a weak urine stream, blood in the semen, bone pain, pelvic discomfort, and erectile dysfunction (4).
It’s extremely important for men to get screened regularly starting at the age of 50. Prostate cancer is one of the most treatable forms of the disease if it is diagnosed early. Treatment may involve surgery to remove the tumor, and/or radiation.
Nurture Your Own Health
You’re the boss of your own health, and you’re responsible for practicing healthy habits that keep you fit and in good condition.
It is also imperative that you pay attention to your own body and seek medical help for problems that occur. Stay in touch with your physician and make regular checkups every six months to make sure you’re healthy.
People Also Ask:
A: There are numerous health problems, but some common issues that may occur as we get older are heart problems, diabetes, depression, anxiety disorders, high blood pressure, obesity, lung disease, and cancer.
A: As men get older, they become at higher risk for health issues like heart disease, prostate, and other cancers, high blood pressure, diabetes, lung conditions, and mental health problems. Men may also suffer from sexual issues like erectile dysfunction and low libido, more with age but at any time. If this occurs, consider buying the best male enhancement pills you can find.
A: A healthy diet for men includes whole grains, fruits and vegetables, fiber, fish, unsaturated fats, and foods with potassium like fish and dairy (5).
A: Some of the worst foods for men include sugar, processed items, and fatty foods. They can increase the risk of several illnesses like heart disease and diabetes.
A: Following a healthy lifestyle is the best way to improve your general health. When it comes to sexual health issues, you can buy one of the best testosterone boosters on the market made of organic ingredients.
Bottom Line
Men may suffer from several medical issues in their lifetime. Naturally, the risks of certain conditions increase with age, including heart disease, cancer, erectile dysfunction, lung disease, diabetes, and mental health problems.
The best way to combat these risks is to live your life in a healthy way and to seek medical attention when you notice symptoms. Also, keep in regular contact with your doctor and go for check-ups even when you feel well.
