While June may bring to mind thoughts of neckties and backyard barbecues, there’s far more to the month than Father’s Day. This time of year also includes another important observance focused on men and the women who love them: Men’s Health Month.
While housing choices and financial planning may be among the first things that come to mind when you think about the typical guide to retirement living, the fact is that there’s nothing more important than your health. Let’s take a closer look at four common unhealthy habits among men, along with tips aimed at helping fathers, sons, husbands, brothers and friends lead healthier, happier lives.
1. Doctor, Doctor
The majority of men are failing when it comes to preventative care. Not only do they lag behind women by a whopping 80 percent when it comes to routine doctors’ visits, but more than half of men in the 18 to 50 demographic don’t even have a primary care physician.
If you or a loved one are under the impression that doctor visits are best reserved for extreme instances of illness and injury, think again: regular healthcare is a critical component in maintaining ongoing wellness. In addition to conducting annual health risk assessments, doctors make sure you're up-to-date on all relevant health screenings and immunizations. Factor in the vital role patient engagement plays in promoting better care experiences and enhanced health outcomes, and the importance of preventative care visits is undeniable.
2. Nutrition Matters
Not only do men tend to have a shorter lifespan than women, but they also lead women in all 15 leading causes of death, except for Alzheimer’s disease. From cardiovascular disease to diabetes, many of these illnesses are largely preventable through the adoption of healthier lifestyle behaviors like exercising and eating right. In fact, even moderate weight loss can significantly reduce a man’s risk of developing certain chronic health conditions.
Help the men in your life make smarter food choices by encouraging a plant-based diet: Stock up on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy and high-fiber foods, as well as lean sources of protein. And while it may be unreasonable to expect a lifelong carnivore to completely give up on burgers and steaks, starting small can lead to lasting change. Rather than cutting meat out completely, why not start with Meatless Mondays, instead?
3. Road Rules
Nearly 300,000 distracted drivers are involved in major car accidents every year, and men are much more likely to drive while distracted. Those over the age of 65 are particularly vulnerable to external distractions. However, some simple preparations — such as programming a navigation device in advance — can minimize distracted driving incidents.
While the average guide to retirement living may overlook this issue, it remains a vital one, particularly when you consider that the risk of motor vehicle related injuries and fatalities increases with age. In fact, just under 600 older adults are hurt in car crashes every single day. Seat belt use, regular exercise to maintain strength and agility, and routine vision checks can all help ensure senior safety.
4. Clear the Air
Cigarette smoking is the country’s leading cause of preventable death, accounting for a staggering one out of every five deaths. Because many senior smokers have tried to quit and failed at some point in their lives, they may feel like it’s too late now. However, quitting at any age has significant benefits, ranging from fewer wrinkles to reduced risk of everything from cataracts to stroke, heart attack, and bronchitis. Need more specific incentive? Male smokers over the age of 65 are twice as likely to suffer stroke-related fatalities, while also increasing their chances of developing lung cancer 23 times over.
Wondering how to help your favorite senior kick the habit and plan for a smoke-free future? Check out the National Cancer Institute’s “Quit Smoking Guide for People 50 and Older.”
No comprehensive guide to retirement living is complete without acknowledging the relationship between healthy living and quality of life. June — and the observance of Men’s Health Month — offers the perfect opportunity for men to become more actively engaged in their overall health and wellness.
