Aging can bring about many health issues for men in their golden years, some of which aren’t immediately noticeable. If you are over the age of 65, senior men’s health issues can be even more difficult to discern on your own, which is why it’s essential to get regular medical checkups with your doctor. This article will review some of the most common health issues that affect senior men so that you can recognize them and seek treatment when necessary.
Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
The urinary tract system has several parts, including kidneys and ureters (the two long tubes that transport urine from your kidneys to your bladder), bladder, and urethra (the tube that carries urine out of your body). A urinary tract infection occurs when bacteria enter any part of your urinary tract. UTIs are common in women because they have shorter urethras than men. Fortunately, most UTIs are easily treated with antibiotics. You can reduce your risk by drinking plenty of water each day to make sure you flush out excess fluids. If you notice symptoms like pain or burning while urinating, it’s important to see a doctor as soon as possible because not treating a UTI can lead to kidney damage or even sepsis.
Anemia
Anemia is a condition in which a person’s red blood cells, or erythrocytes, do not have enough hemoglobin. There are two types of anemia: iron deficiency anemia and non-iron deficiency anemia. Anemia can cause fatigue and weakness as well as headaches and trouble concentrating. Fortunately, men in their golden years can take steps to treat their anemia or avoid it altogether. Some of these include taking iron supplements as prescribed by a doctor and increasing dietary intake of vitamin C and zinc, which play important roles in building red blood cells. Too much vitamin C and zinc on their own can cause problems with concentration and focus, so you should be careful about how much you take.
Dementia
The elderly, in general, are at a much higher risk of developing dementia than younger adults. About 30% of aging adults in their 60s will develop a cognitive decline in some form by age 80, and that number jumps to 80% by age 90. The prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease among aging adults is exceptionally high; it affects 50–60% of people older than 85 years old, with men affected more often than women. Even if you think your brain is still as sharp as a tack it might be a good idea to start thinking about ways to maintain it. About a third of people over 65 who do not have dementia already show signs and symptoms associated with Alzheimer’s disease.
Blood Pressure
High blood pressure is a severe health condition that can be damaging to your arteries. High blood pressure accounts for 7.5 million deaths around the world every year! Males over 50 need to understand that high blood pressure often has no symptoms. This makes it crucial to monitor your blood pressure regularly and work with your doctor to address any hypertension concerns you may have.
Dizziness and Depression
As a man gets older, his bone density can decrease. In addition to that, men lose muscle mass as they age, contributing to dizziness and falls. If you have a loved one feeling dizzy or has been experiencing depression recently, call experts for more information on senior health issues and how you can get help.
