Healthy Habits for Men Age 50 and Beyond to Celebrate Men’s Health Week
Age is just a number, right? While this is true, we can’t ignore the fact that certain health challenges increase as we grow older — and maybe even more so for men.
U.S. men are 1.5 times more likely than women to die from heart disease, cancer and respiratory diseases. On average, they also die five years earlier than their female counterparts.
Men’s Health Week kicks off on June 13 — a time to focus on men's health issues and take proactive steps to live a happy, healthy life. Men over 50 can be just as fit as younger generations, but it may take more effort to keep your well-being in shape.
Here are some tips to keep in mind as you age.
- Eat a healthy, varied diet. More than one in three adult American men are overweight or obese. A diet that’s low in trans fats, cholesterol, saturated fats, salt and added sugars can help maintain a healthy weight, as well as boost your heart health, control blood pressure and keep your cholesterol at an optimal number.
- Get routine health screenings. Did you know that 200,000+ men are diagnosed with prostate cancer every year? It's also the second leading cause of death in men. Health screenings are an important part of a healthy lifestyle, as they often can catch an illness before full-blown symptoms develop. For men over 50, routine screenings include prostate function, blood pressure, cholesterol levels and colon cancer.
- Have an issue? See a doctor! Seventy-two percent of men would rather do household chores — like cleaning the bathroom — than go see a doctor. But for many ailments, early detection offers the best chance of a full recovery. Aside from a yearly physical exam and health screenings, it’s critical to visit the doctor if you’re experiencing anything out of the ordinary.
- Stay physically active. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), adults of any age should get at least 150 minutes of moderate activity per week — that's about 30 minutes a day, five days a week. This is especially important after age 50 because exercise increases your blood flow which increases oxygen throughout your body. This promotes brain and organ function and relieves everyday fatigue.
- Don’t miss the benefits of a full night’s rest. The National Institute on Aging recommends that older adults get the same amount of sleep as all adults — about seven to nine hours each night. Older adults who have poor sleep habits are more likely to experience memory problems, excessive daytime sleepiness, a depressed mood and an overall poorer quality of life. If you’re not getting adequate shuteye at night, be sure to incorporate a nap or some rest time into your daily routine.
- Wash your hands! Many viruses can live on surfaces for up to 24 hours. Wash your hands with warm, soapy water for at least 20 seconds throughout the day — especially with COVID-19 still a lingering threat for the older population. Use an antibacterial hand sanitizer when you can’t access a sink.
Remember, the best years are yet to come, and a strong immune system can help ensure you make the most of them.
Healthy finances and healthy aging go hand in hand
Despite your best efforts to remain in good health, medical debt is one of the larger obstacles between older individuals and economic well-being. If you’re thinking about a healthcare cost game plan, consider the benefits of a reverse mortgage. This type of loan gives you access to the equity you’ve built up in your home over the years. As a borrower, you may access the funds and use them at your own discretion to supplement your income, take a vacation, consolidate debt or cover retirement healthcare costs.
At Reverse Mortgage Funding (RMF), we’re happy to discuss the pros and cons of a reverse mortgage and help determine if it’s the right tool for you. Call RMF today at (888) 277-1567 to set up a free, in-person appointment with a loan specialist in your area. We look forward to working with you!
This content is sponsored by RMF, one of the nation’s leading reverse mortgage lenders. We are dedicated to helping older Americans retire more freely, in the comfort of their own homes. As a result of our commitment to providing an extraordinary and positive customer experience, we have earned a 98% customer satisfaction rating; a 4.7-star / Excellent score on Trustpilot; 4.8 out of 5 stars on LendingTree; and an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. Call 888-277-1567 to speak with a licensed reverse mortgage specialist to learn about our retirement financing products and solutions