Men and Aging: 5 Tips for Healthy Aging in Men

While much of the focus on the aging process centers around women and menopause, it is important to recognize that men also experience a series of health changes as they get older. September is Healthy Aging Month, making it the perfect time to look at men and aging and how you can make this transition as easy as possible.

Here is what you need to know about men and the aging process with a special focus on the specific hormonal changes that occur during this season in life.

What to Know About Men and Aging

There is no stopping the aging process. While not all of the symptoms of men and aging are universal, there are a handful of definitive issues that most men will experience at one time or another. One of the most serious complications of the aging process relates to cardiovascular health. As the arteries and blood vessels stiffen, the heart has to work harder to pump blood through the body. Men over the age of 65 are more likely to suffer heart attacks, stroke and other cardiovascular issues.

Colorectal health is another serious concern during this time of life, with men over the age of 50 more likely to be staring at a colorectal cancer diagnosis. While many men may chalk incontinence up to the normal aging prostate, it can also be a sign that your prostate health is in danger.

Male Hormonal Changes as You Age

In a category all on its own is the specific hormonal changes that many men experience as they celebrate another birthday. These changes can largely be blamed on a decrease in testosterone in the body as you age. The declining level of this hormone triggers a host of physical and psychological symptoms. Health care experts estimate that testosterone levels decline by about 10 percent each decade after the age of 30, making it easy to see how quickly this number can plummet.

Andropause is the specific term that describes the decrease in testosterone that men experience as they age. Unlike menopause, which typically comes on more acutely, the decline in testosterone is so gradual that many men may not even realize that it is happening. It is estimated that approximately 30 percent of males in their 50s will start to experience the symptoms of andropause. This condition can lead to more severe health complications if not treated appropriately.

Symptoms of low testosterone levels include loss of height, low bone mineral density, hot flashes or night sweats, infertility, erectile dysfunction, poor concentration, depression and reduced sexual desire. While low testosterone levels can be identified through a simple blood test, these screenings are not normally performed as part of a routine health check.

How to Protect Your Health as You Age

You can take control of the aging process by taking care of your body as you get older. Here are a few of the most common health issues that men may encounter as they age and what you can do to address them.

Hormonal Changes and Andropause

As men age, hormonal imbalance can cause a variety of health issues. Combat this natural side effect of getting older by using a supplement designed to support optimal testosterone levels. A supplement such as Androchron is formulated to encourage higher energy and endurance levels, protect prostate health, improve mental fitness, support a healthy libido and more. You may be surprised at how the right formulation of vitamins and plant extracts can support optimal hormonal balance.

Cardiovascular Health

In addition to eating a nutritious diet, it is important to stay active as you age. Your physician will be able to recommend the right amount of exercise that you should aim for based on your age and fitness level. Keeping your weight in check is one of the best things that you can do for your cardiovascular health.

Bladder Issues and Constipation

While these issues may not spell a serious concern, they can still be debilitating to live with. Ask your healthcare provider to provide you with strategies to alleviate these health issues so that you can continue to lead a comfortable life.

Colorectal Health

Nobody wants to think about their colon. However, proper screening can go a long way in helping you to identify and treat this issue before it threatens your health. Most physicians will recommend that men undergo regular colorectal cancer screening between the ages of 45 - 75.

Prostate Health

One health concern specific to men is the condition of the prostate. The prostate is more likely to become inflamed as you get older, triggering incontinence and other more serious health issues. Like colorectal screening, men should also speak with their health care provider about prostate cancer screening.

You can also help to guard the health of your prostate through a targeted supplement such as Prostachron. This supplement boasts a unique mix of plant extracts to support a healthy prostate by protecting against free radicals and promoting optimal cell growth.

Although all of this seems scary at first glance, it is important to realize that the preventative care that you take now can have a significant impact on how well your body handles the aging process.