5 Conditions Affecting Senior Men

The body undergoes numerous changes with age, some of which can lead to age-related diseases and increase your risk of other health conditions, like heart disease and diabetes. There’s no way to know how your body will age, but understanding common conditions affecting senior men can help you prepare and guide you in living a healthy lifestyle.

June is Men’s Health Month, and while these diseases are not solely affecting men, they are some of the most common conditions affecting men 65 and older.

Heart Disease

Heart disease is a broad term used to describe various types of heart conditions. Usually, when people talk about heart disease, they mean coronary artery disease, the most common form of heart disease in the United States, affecting about 18.2 million people. There are different forms of coronary artery disease, but it’s usually because of cholesterol buildup within the arteries that block blood flow to the heart. Symptoms may include chest pains or a heart attack.

Diabetes

Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects how a person’s body uses food for energy. There are primary types of diabetes, but senior men usually develop Type 2 diabetes when their body doesn’t use insulin properly. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), up to 95 percent of diabetes diagnoses are for Type 2.

Some symptoms and signs of diabetes include frequent urination, thirst, fatigue, or unexplained weight changes. Many people don’t experience diabetes symptoms early on, so it’s essential to check your blood sugar regularly, especially if you’re overweight or have a family history of diabetes.

Oral Health

Oral health is something many individuals tend to neglect with age, leading to numerous health concerns. According to the CBD, about one in five older adults have untreated tooth decay. If left untreated, tooth decay can lead to tooth loss and a potential need for dentures. Additional oral health concerns for seniors include gum disease and cancer, especially for adults who smoke. If you’re experiencing loose teeth, jaw tenderness, or bleeding gums, check it out with a dentist or oral health professional.

Prostate Health

Prostate health is something specific to men and grows more vital with age. The two biggest health concerns with a man’s prostate are an enlarged prostate and prostate cancer. An enlarged prostate is when the gland grows bigger than average. An enlarged prostate can increase the need to urinate, make it harder to start and stop urinating, or cause the bladder to feel full even after urination. Prostate cancer is cancer that begins in the prostate. Early stages of prostate cancer are similar to an enlarged prostate but may also include blood in the urine or semen, bone pain, or unexplained weight loss.

Colon Cancer

Colon cancer (sometimes also called colorectal cancer) is cancer that begins in the colon. The colon makes up the large intestine with the rectum. It’s part of the digestive system that helps food and waste travel through and out of the body. There are different types of colon cancer depending on where in the colon that cancer starts, but the symptoms for all forms are similar. You may experience changes in your bowel habits, blood in your stool, abdominal pain, or unexplained weight loss.

If you’re a senior with one of these five health conditions or another disease affecting your ability to care for yourself, the team at Visiting Angels Jasper can help. We’re an at-home care agency providing non-medical assistance to seniors throughout Walker County so they can continue living independently. Schedule a complimentary consultation with our care team by calling 205-388-9353.