Older Men << Resources by Groups << Men's Health Home << womenshealth.gov

Older Men

Health often becomes the focus of many men's lives as they grow older. For one, health problems can affect a man's quality of life and ability to work to a desired age. And health problems that threaten disability or death often first show up in the latter half of life. Emotional health is another important concern of aging men, whose risk of suicide goes up with age. Retirement, death of a spouse, and illness can greatly impact a man's mental health.

The good news is that older men can improve their health outcomes and quality of life. To stay in control of your health as you age, take these steps:

Aspirin Can Lower Your Risk of Heart Attack

Men ages 45 to 79 should take aspirin to lower their risk of heart attack if the benefits of doing so outweigh the possible harm of gastrointestinal bleeding. Discuss with your doctor your personal risk of both heart disease and gastrointestinal bleeding. Together, decide if taking aspirin is right for you.

See your doctor regularly, even when you’re not sick. Tell your doctor about any changes you notice in your physical or emotional health. Learn the pros and cons of suggested treatment plans and medicines for any health problems you have.

Find out what screenings and vaccines you need. Some screenings, such as for osteoporosis, or vaccines, such as for shingles, might be new to you.

Learn about health issues that are common in older men, such as prostate problems, diabetes, depression, and Alzheimer's disease.

Tell your doctor about sexual problems. Don’t be shy. A gradual decline in testosterone and other hormones is normal in healthy males as they age. This is sometimes called andropause. Unlike women, who no longer can become pregnant once they reach menopause, men still make sperm as they age and can conceive a baby. As men age, they may be less interested in sex or have fewer erections. But it is not normal for aging men to have no interest in sex. Treatment can help many sexual problems. Also, talk to your doctor about your risk of sexually transmitted infections, including HIV, if you have more than one sexual partner or have a new sexual relationship.

Attend health promotion and wellness events to learn how lifestyle choices and health behaviors can impact your health.

Stay connected to family and community, particularly in your post-retirement years.

Additional Resources

Publications

Age Page: Sexuality in Later Life — This brochure describes the normal physical changes in men and women that come with age. It also discusses the effects of illness, disability, and emotional concerns of sexuality in later life.

http://www.niapublications.org/agepages/sexuality.asp

Alzheimer's Disease Fact Sheet — This fact sheet discusses how Alzheimer's disease is not a normal part of aging. It describes the symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and care for those with Alzheimer's disease.

http://www.nia.nih.gov/Alzheimers/Publications/adfact.htm

Exercise & Physical Activity: Your Everyday Guide from the National Institute on Aging — This 80-page illustrated booklet provides healthy older people with scientifically accurate recommendations about exercise. In addition to providing sample exercises, the booklet explains the benefits of the exercises, how to stay motivated, and how to track your progress.

http://www.nia.nih.gov/HealthInformation/Publications/ExerciseGuide/

Kidney Stones in Adults — This publication features information on kidney stones, causes, who gets them, symptoms, treatments, and prevention methods.

http://kidney.niddk.nih.gov/kudiseases/pubs/stonesadults/index.htm

Men Stay Healthy at 50+: Checklists for Your Health — This booklet describes the ways that people over 50 can stay healthy. It gives information on the prevention of major diseases or conditions through living habits, screening tests, and immunizations.

http://www.ahrq.gov/ppip/men50.htm

Osteoporosis in Men — After age 50, 6 percent of all men will suffer a hip fracture as a result of osteoporosis. Despite these compelling figures, a majority of American men view osteoporosis solely as a "woman's disease." This fact sheet discusses the causes, diagnosis, treatments, and prevention of osteoporosis.

http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Bone/Osteoporosis/men.asp

Pills, Patches, and Shots: Can Hormones Prevent Aging? — This brochure discusses some of the important hormones in our bodies and what role they play. It also discusses how are bodies are affected by the decline in hormones as we age and whether to consider hormone supplements.

http://www.niapublications.org/tipsheets/pdf/Pills_Patches_and_Shots-Can_Hormones_Prevent_Aging.pdf...

Talking With Your Doctor: A Guide for Older People — This brochure is a guide to helping older adults communicate easily and effectively with their physician about their health.

http://www.niapublications.org/pubs/talking/index.asp

http://www.aad.org/public/publications/pamphlets/common_hairloss.html

http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/men/general/081.html

http://www.gmhfonline.org/gmhf/consumer/factsheets/hlthage_mental.html

Male Pattern Baldness — This resource provides information on the causes, symptoms, and treatment on male pattern baldness. It also includes illustrations that help explain progression of this condition.

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001177.htm

Patient Guide to Androgen Deficiency Syndromes in Adult Men (Copyright © Hormone Foundation) — This report provides information on testosterone, its production, treatments for low testosterone, symptoms, and data from clinical trials.

http://www.hormone.org/Resources/Patient_Guides/upload/Androgens_and_Men_Patient_Guide.pdf...

Organizations

= Indicates Federal Resources

Content last updated June 1, 2009.