Men over 40 might not only start experiencing changes in how they look, but also in their energy and how they feel.
If you are 40 years old or over, chances are your health priorities have changed over the last decade.
Here is what you need to know if you find yourself in this category, and what you need to do to be proactive about your health.
Heart disease
As we age, our heart and arteries also age. It is key to start eating a balanced and healthy diet. Eating nutritious foods can aid in preventing fatty build up in the arteries of your heart which leads to heart disease. Exercising consistently will also be significant in keeping your heart healthy and working properly. The American Heart Association informs us that more than 1 in 3 men have cardiovascular disease
Heart attack & stroke
Age is a risk factor for heart attack. Knowing the signs and symptoms of a heart attack and what that looks like for men can help you get the care you need quickly if you find yourself in pain.
There are different symptoms of heart attack, and women can have different symptoms than men.
The most common symptoms of a heart attack are:
- Pain in the chest
- Nausea
- Shortness of breath
- Palpitations
- Sweating
- Arm and jaw pain
Seek emergency medical care if you experience any of these symptoms. Stroke probability also increases as men age. There are around 3 million male stroke survivors alive today and counting. It is possible to make a healthy recovery if you catch the symptoms quick enough. Think of the acronym F.A.S.T. Look for any FACIAL drooping when smiling, ARMS drifting downward if raised, SPEECH slurring or difficulty saying a phrase, TIME to quickly call 911.
Gum disease
The chances of you acquiring gum disease increases as you reach your 40s and 50s. Taking the time when you are younger to build healthy brushing and flossing habits will save you time and money in the long run. If you have not built up those good habits, don’t fear. Start now by taking steps every day to boost the care of your teeth and gums.
High blood pressure
High blood pressure becomes a higher risk for men over 40. Younger men still run the risk of having high blood pressure, but it is not as high of a chance they will acquire it. The best way to combat high blood pressure is to live a healthy lifestyle. This includes consistently exercising at least 3 times per week with an elevated heart rate for 30 minutes at a time. This also includes eating foods that fuel your body and not picking up the habit of smoking or drinking.
Prostate issues
Prostate issues that may rise when your age creeps over 40 could include Erectile Dysfunction. Nearly 30 Million men are affected by Erectile Dysfunction (ED) in their lifetime. There are steps you can do now to lessen your chance of acquiring ED, such as living a healthy lifestyle and abstaining from alcohol and drug use. Erectile Dysfunction is not untreatable, and meeting with our experts to find the right treatment for you is possible to live a happy life.
Cancer
Skin cancer is very common and becomes more prevalent as we age. It does not discriminate, as it affects men young and old all over the world. As you age, your chances of developing skin cancer do increase. Take the time now to practice good sun care habits. Wear sunscreen when you go outside. Wear sunglasses and head protection to also protect you from the sun. If you can, avoid exposure to tanning beds or lamps. Skin cancer can develop quickly and spread. Be proactive and keep up to date on your yearly wellness checks. Know your body and address differences in the look and feel of your skin when you notice them.
Arthritis
We have one body that is with us for life, so it is expected for there to be wear and tear as we get older. Usually wear and tear for age can look like arthritis. Rheumatoid Arthritis and Osteo Arthritis are two that are not uncommon for men age 30 and older. Swelling and inflammation of the joints and wearing down of cartilage can be expected but not life threatening. There are options for treatment and therapy that can aid in the maintenance and recovery of these issues.
Metabolism
The body’s metabolism naturally changes with age. It isn’t a choice we have, rather an event or series of events that happen organically. Adjusting how you eat as your metabolism changes can aid you along in this process. Start choosing foods that are rich in color and vitamins and minerals. Don’t rely on supplements to get your nutrients. Reach for whole food options. This might look like making a large protein shake each morning for breakfast packed with greens and berries with antioxidants and complete with some yogurt, nuts, and milk. You can start adding snacks to your routine that are not packaged, such as diced cucumbers and dressing, apples with almond butter, nuts and a string cheese, or chopped carrots and hummus.
Change
As our bodies age, so do our exercise needs and nutrition needs. It might be easier for you to stay fit and healthy in your 20’s by doing minimal work. Now when you reach 40, for most this drastically changes. Not by fault of our own, but because our bodies change and adapt as we age. You might be noticing that you have more pains and aches than you are used to. If you get an injury, it generally takes longer to heal the older you are. You might also notice that your hormone levels are changing and losing fat and building muscle take a lot longer to pull off than they used to. You will have less opportunity to compete physically and your body might be experiencing some intolerances or new sensitivities.
Exercise
You might not be able to keep up with the 20 year olds at the gym, but you can definitely still throw around some weight. As you adapt to your body changing, focusing more on resistance training and building strength will help keep your body from losing muscle with age. Increasing the time you usually spend mobilizing or stretching will also be beneficial. The more you can lessen your chance of an injury the better. Stretching and mobilizing decrease this chance, so you can spend less time recovering and more time building. Listen to your body as you go. Take advantage of rest days while also keeping a goal to workout at least 3-4 times per week.
Mindset
Getting older and reaching your 40’s is not a bad thing. Just like our life brings us different chapters and experiences, being 40 brings new goals and aspirations. This might be a time in your life to focus on your relationships and really help them thrive. Maybe you have extra time on your hands to volunteer or pick up a new hobby.
Testosterone
Once you reach your 20’s, your testosterone levels start to decline and will continue to decline as you get older. With a decrease in testosterone, you may experience difficulty in losing weight and or gaining muscle mass.
Mental health
There is never a better time to make your mental health a priority than the now. You may have foregone this type of aid in the past because you were younger and naive, or just busy and exhausted. By the time you are 40 or older, life generally slows down and what is important makes itself manifest. Use this time to boost your mental health, however that may look for you. See a therapist, start a mindfulness practice, try yoga or meditation. You will never regret taking care of your mind, as much as you take care of your body.
Skin elasticity
What’s the telltale sign of getting older and aging? The appearance of wrinkles. Wrinkles are a natural part of our bodies aging as the skin loses collagen in skin cells. If you protect your skin while you are young from the harmful effects of UV light, your skin will hold collagen longer.
Hair loss
No matter who you are, as you get older, your hair also does. As follicles become older, you start to experience an increased level of hair loss. Genetics can play a large role in this, but also your lifestyle and any medical conditions you may have will affect the level of hair loss you experience with age.
