Men aged 50: 5 health care notes to know

Age does not mean you will lose your charm. Just know how, 50-year-old men can still maintain a healthy, balanced and active body. Here are some tips to keep in mind for middle-aged men to take better care of their health.

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1. Building a healthy diet for men aged 50

A healthy diet can help men over 50 reduce their risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity and some types of cancer.

Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, dairy products (fat-free or low-fat) are healthy foods that you should include. Besides, poultry, fish, beans, eggs and nuts are also good sources of protein. Protein is an important nutrient that helps you maintain strength and muscle.

For heart health and weight control, you also need to avoid foods high in saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol, salt, and sugar. In addition, you should also limit your intake of alcoholic beverages. See also How much alcohol is good for health

You can consult with nutritionists to build a suitable diet. They will help you determine your own health status, and give useful advice for you to make your own menu every day.

2. Regular exercise to take care of men’s health at the age of 50

Regular exercise and sports are the best way for men over 50 to improve their cardiovascular health, muscle strength, flexibility, and body balance. Not only that, moderate physical activity also helps you reduce your risk of several diseases, including dementia.

You should incorporate both aerobics/cardio and strength training into your weekly workout schedule. Exercises such as walking, cycling, swimming… help increase cardiovascular activity and use large muscle groups. Meanwhile, weight training and other strength training exercises will help you build and maintain muscle.

If you are a sedentary person, you should consult with your doctor to develop an appropriate exercise program. Note that strength training always starts with gentle exercises, then gradually increases the difficulty and intensity of training. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that 50-year-old men get 150 minutes of moderate-intensity cardio per week, combined with a muscle-strengthening routine 2 or more days a week.

3. 50-year-old men: Quit smoking

It’s never too late to quit smoking. As soon as you quit smoking, your body will begin to heal the damage caused by smoking. After just a few days without a cigarette, you’ll find yourself breathing easier, having more energy, reducing coughing, and improving the functioning of your senses.

In terms of long-term benefits, quitting reduces the risk of heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure. In addition, smoking cessation also helps men over 50 feel more energetic and active, thereby enjoying a fuller and happier life.

4. Men over 50 years old need regular health check-ups and screenings

Periodic health check-ups and screenings are very important in the health care process of men aged 50. Here are the most common types of check-ups and screenings for men at this age: You can consult.

Check blood pressure

High blood pressure increases the risk of heart attack, stroke and many other dangerous diseases. According to the American Heart Association, starting at age 20, you should have your blood pressure checked at least every two years.

cholesterol test

High cholesterol increases the risk of heart disease and stroke. To determine the cholesterol level in the body, you need to perform a blood test. In fact, people over the age of 20 without heart disease should have a cholesterol test every 4 to 6 years. People with existing heart disease or certain other conditions may need to have their cholesterol levels checked more often.

Prostate cancer screening

Prostate cancer can be detected early with a PSA (prostate-specific antigen) test. Men age 50 should talk to their doctor about getting a PSA test to understand the risks and benefits of the test.

Colon cancer screening

Health professionals recommend that all men aged 45 to 75 be screened for colon cancer. There are many screening tests that can detect colon polyps that are likely to develop malignancy in the future.
If someone in your family has colon cancer, you should get screened earlier. In addition, people over the age of 75 should also talk with their doctor about continuing screening.
Choosing which type of screening and how often depends on each person’s family health history, personal health history, and lifestyle. Talk to your doctor to choose the type and frequency of screening that’s right for you.
In addition to regular check-ups and screenings, you should also consider getting vaccinated to prevent some common illnesses in older adults.
5. Sexual health in men over 50 years old
Some research suggests that chronic conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease can affect a man’s ability to be sexually active. The more severe these conditions, the higher the risk of erectile dysfunction.

Therefore, if you are experiencing sexual problems, you should see your doctor for an examination. Your doctor will see if your problem is caused by underlying health conditions.

Above are 5 important notes for you to take better care of your 50-year-old men’s health. Start a healthy lifestyle now and you will see your body and quality of life improve in a short time.