Tip Sheet Offers Good Health for Older Men

While Americans are living longer than ever, American men still aren't living as long as American women, the latest longevity statistics show. On average, men in the US live about 75 years—5 fewer than women. Why the longevity gap? No one knows for sure. But research suggests that a leading reason may be that men don't take care of themselves as well as women do.

To help older men do that, the American Geriatrics Society's (AGS') Foundation for Health in Aging (FHA) has published an easy to understand health tip sheet—For Older Men: Tips for Good Health in Later Life—just for them.

"By doing such things as eating a healthy diet, following an exercise plan that's appropriate for them, maintaining a healthy weight, refraining from smoking, seeing their healthcare providers for check-ups and screening tests, and taking medications as recommended men can boost their odds of living longer and healthier lives," says geriatrician and AGS member Barney Spivack, MD, medical director of LifeCare Inc Connecticut

The FHA's tip sheet offers up-to-date advice, tailored to the needs of older men, on taking medications safely, eating well, and exercising safely. It includes information about screening tests—including those for abdominal aortic aneurysm, bone health, prostate cancer, colorectal cancer, depression, and sexually transmitted diseases. The tip sheet also offers advice on avoiding falls and fractures, quitting smoking, staying mentally sharp and socially engaged in later life, and whether and how much to drink.

— Source: American Geriatrics Society