Men over 50 should know about these 9 sneaky health problems — low testosterone, heart disease and more

Yahoo

2 days ago

Plus, the steps you need to take to address them.
If you're a man over 50, chances are you've noticed some of the more obvious signs of aging, like grey hair or wrinkles. But there can be some not-so-obvious changes due to age that can lead to sneaky health issues, even for men who lead a healthy lifestyle.
As the years pass, everyone's cells and the systems that repair them wear down, which can make you more vulnerable to certain health conditions. 'It's like your body's maintenance crew gets a little tired and understaffed,' says Dr. Angela Downey, family physician and host of the Codependent Doctor podcast.
While aging brings on a higher risk of certain health conditions for everyone, there are certain problems that men over 50 should be aware of.
This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Contact a qualified medical professional before engaging in any physical activity, or making any changes to your diet, medication or lifestyle.
'Prostate enlargement and prostate cancer become more common. Men also tend to ignore early signs of depression or cardiovascular disease, so mental health and heart health need extra attention,' Downey told Yahoo Canada, also pointing out that 'testosterone naturally declines, which can affect energy, mood and libido.'
So, what's a guy to do about all of this? There's plenty, actually — and the more informed you are, the better prepared you can be.
Let's look at 9 common health problems in men over 50 and what to do about them.
9 common health issues for men over 50 and how to combat them
1. Low testosterone
Around 8 per cent of men aged 50 to 79 have low testosterone — but don't be quick to brush it off as just a regular part of aging. Testosterone is produced in the testicles and controlled by the pituitary gland and hypothalamus in the brain, and low testosterone can be caused by injuries and medical conditions affecting any of these. If you notice a decrease in your energy, mood or sex drive, or start experiencing hot flashes (yep, men get them, too), talk to your doctor. Low testosterone can be diagnosed with blood tests and treated with testosterone replacement therapy.
2. Erection problems
Erectile dysfunction, which includes trouble getting or keeping an erection long enough to have intercourse, is very common. Around 40 per cent of men in their 40s experience it, and the risk increases by around 10 per cent per decade. Sometimes it's as simple as stress, nerves or not being in the mood, but it can also point to something else going on, like heart or nerve issues or low testosterone. If it keeps happening or you're not sure why, it's important to talk to your doctor.
3. Depression
Depression in men over 50 can sometimes be linked to hormonal changes, like low testosterone, chronic illness and life stressors — and early symptoms are often overlooked or downplayed. Many men find it hard to talk about their feelings, but reaching out for help is important. If you're struggling, know you're not alone and help is available. Talk to a friend or loved one or consider seeking support from a doctor or mental health professional. You can also find an extensive list of mental health services, including provincial and territorial services, crisis lines, support groups and more, on the Government of Canada website.
4. Obesity and other weight issues
Around 65 per cent of Canadians have a body mass index (BMI) that's classified as overweight or obese — and most are men between the ages of 50-64. Carrying extra weight, especially around the abdomen, is linked to sleep apnea, fatty liver disease, heart issues, stroke, diabetes and even some cancers. While diet and activity levels play a role, so do your genes and changes in hormones. Eating better and being more active can help you reach a healthier weight, but there are also other tools available if needed. If you're finding it tough to lose weight, don't hesitate to talk with your doctor or a healthcare professional.
5. Heart disease
Heart disease can happen at any time, but it's in your 50s that risk factors — like weight gain, high blood pressure and cholesterol — are more likely to kick up a notch and continue to increase the older you age. Downey recommends regular blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar checks. If you're over 65, doctors recommend a screening ultrasound to check for an abdominal aortic aneurysm, which is a bulge in the main artery that carries blood from your heart. These are more common in men, especially if you're over 60 or have a history of smoking or heart problems.
6. Prostate problems
As men age, it's common for the prostate to get bigger — and most men have some prostate enlargement by the time they're 70. An enlarged prostate (also called BPH) isn't linked to a higher risk of prostate cancer, but it can cause symptoms, like trouble peeing, incontinence and blood in your urine. Prostate cancer isn't as common as BPH, but it is the most common cancer for men in Canada. The Canadian Cancer Society recommends starting screening at 50 if you're at average risk, or 45 if you're at high risk.
7. Cancer
Cancer can develop at any age, but 9 out of 10 cancers in Canada are diagnosed in people over the age of 50. There are a lot of variables that affect a person's risk of getting cancer. While not all of them, like genetics, can be helped, avoiding common risk factors, like smoking and alcohol, can help. Doctors also recommend appropriate screening, based on your age and risk factors, to help increase your chances of finding any cancer early when it's easier to treat. Speak to your doctor about your cancer risk and screening, or if you have symptoms of cancer.
8. Hearing loss
Hearing loss can affect anyone, but of the estimated 2.7 million Canadians over 45 with hearing loss, around 1.5 million of them are men. You may think that needing to turn the TV up or having trouble keeping up with conversations in noisy environments is just a natural part of getting older — but hearing loss can be caused by more than just aging. Illness, injuries and even certain medications can contribute to the issue. If you're over 50, it's a good idea to schedule a hearing test whether you notice a change in your hearing or not.
9. Vision problems
Seeing more floaters? Finding yourself squinting more? Having trouble telling the difference between green and blue? These are common signs of aging eyes. The risk of certain ocular diseases, like glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration also increases over 50, which is why regular eye exams are so important. The Canadian Association of Optometrists also recommends protecting your eyes from the sun's UV rays, eating an antioxidant-rich diet and getting regular exercise to prevent or delay age-related eye problems.