It’s a difficult fact of life that every man must eventually come to terms with … we all get old.
Men generally consider their 40s as being the turning point from young to old. The moment you suddenly have to think twice about that random game of squash or impromptu long jump demonstration for the kids.
Leading up to our 40s, men’s bodies can take a pounding. But thereafter we need to start being a little more cautious in what we do, to avoid being incapacitated for days with muscle stiffness, or worse, stuck in bed for a week with a broken ankle.
And it’s not just our bodies that become more prone to injury, our eyesight and hearing also begin to deteriorate (although our partners would argue that hearing loss occurs much earlier). Not to mention that our bodies become more susceptible to certain health conditions and diseases.
The good news is, however, that there are numerous facilities and tests available to help us through this aging process.
An annual physical exam is a must
For men entering their 40s, it’s advisable to go for regular health check-ups, even if you feel fine.
As an absolute minimum, all men over 40 should visit their doctor once every year for a physical exam. This visit should include checks on blood pressure, height and weight, as well as questions pertaining to your physical/mental health and lifestyle. It goes without saying that it’s in your best interest to be totally open and honest with your doctor on all matters.
Your doctor might well recommend some tests depending on your personal circumstances. These might include screenings (blood tests or other) for cholesterol, diabetes, heart disease, thyroid disease, HIV and other contagious diseases, liver problems, anaemia, a range of cancers, and possibly even osteoporosis. Don’t be surprised if your doctor recommends an eye or hearing test.
As you hit your 50s, 60s, 70s and up, the frequency and range of tests will likely increase as and when your doctor recommends. For a comprehensive list of age-related checks, refer to this informative article in the Men’s Journal.
The main reason an annual visit to your doctor is so important, is that it helps identify any potential health issues early on, while they’re still easily treatable, if not completely avoidable.
A healthy lifestyle is king
As men get older it gets easier to look for excuses not to live a healthy lifestyle, but in truth, there are no excuses. Consider Vladimir Kotov, the Belarus-born South African long-distance runner, who won the Comrades Marathon in 2004 aged 46. Equally impressive is Yuichiro Miura of Japan who summited Mount Everest at the age of 80, back in 2013.
These men are living proof that you can achieve anything you put your mind to, no matter how old you are. So, don’t let that sagging six pack get you down – wear it with pride as you hit your post-40 life with everything you’ve got.
Make sure you keep a positive frame of mind, exercise regularly, eat healthily and book your annual visit to your doctor. And, next time you’re struggling to read the menu at a restaurant … consider it time to head down to Spec-Savers for an eye-opening eye-test and a fool-proof reason to get some trendy new spectacles!
Date Published: 18 June 2018
