The UK has an ageing population, and although we tend to live longer, this does not always equate to a long and healthy life. As we are encouraged to think in terms of our health span rather than our lifespan, it’s worth exploring the actions we can take to enjoy our later years to the fullest.
Why do men have worse health than women on average?
Men in particular tend to neglect their health and die from preventable diseases in greater numbers than women. They are more likely to be overweight or obese, drink alcohol to excess, and also tragically they are more likely to take their own lives than women. The reasons for this disparity are complex, and cannot be put down to one specific cause.
There are also strong regional differences in male health in the UK, with men in the wealthier southeast of the country living on average three years longer than their contemporaries in the poorer northeast regions. The widest gap in life expectancy between the most deprived and richest areas is 10.3 years.
With falling overall life expectancy, depleted health services, and the worsening health of our children compared to their international peers, what steps can we, and men in particular, take to improve or safeguard our quality of life as we get older? Here is a look at some achievable steps.
Staying physically active
There is overwhelming evidence that exercise helps us to maintain our physical health as we get older, improving cardiovascular fitness, strength and balance. Aim to do at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity per week, including a range of cardio and strength training exercises.
Eating well
A balanced diet that is rich in fruits and vegetables, lean proteins and whole grains will support overall health and help you to maintain your energy levels as you get older.
Looking after mental health
There has been a lot more focus on male mental health in recent years. Men often experience a decline in their mental well-being as they get older, and the pressures of life begin to mount up. Middle age can bring disappointments as we may realise we will never achieve the goals we set for ourselves when we were younger.
It can also be a time when demands on our time and energy are growing as families, careers, and finances tend to take priority over hobbies, sports and friends. This can lead to a more isolated and sedentary life than men may have led when they were younger, leading to lower moods and higher levels of anxiety.
The connection between mental and physical health is well known, and the aforementioned measures of taking regular exercise and eating well can play an important role in mood and stress management. Making time to see friends and spend on hobbies and interests can also boost mental health.
Tackling hair loss
A less discussed impact on men’s emotional well-being as they age is hair loss. It’s rarely a medically serious problem, and is most often caused by genetic factors that cannot be changed. However, losing one’s hair and youthful appearance can knock self-esteem and lead to depression or a degree of social anxiety.
Hair loss is often a treatable problem, and it’s worth discussing the issue with a pharmacist who will be able to recommend the best options for you. About 90 per cent of male hair loss is caused by male pattern baldness, which occurs when the hair follicles react to a hormone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT).
There are a few licensed products available over the counter and from online pharmacies that can counteract male pattern baldness, including finasteride.
Attending health screenings
The NHS offers free health screenings for a range of conditions for all adults between the ages of 40 and 74 in the UK. It’s estimated that only about a third of men take up the offer, missing out on the opportunity to flag up potentially serious health conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease.
The earlier such problems are picked up, the more easily treatable they are and the risk of them escalating into severe or terminal illnesses is lowered. This can equate to many more years of life in good health.
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