Health in your sixties – (Thanks to
Foundation 49 for this)
Are you still working, retired, volunteering in the community or planning to travel? Busy at home with grandchildren in your life? This is a decade of change for many men, when the routines of the past can disappear and you may have a bit more time to do your own thing. How you spend your time has as much to do with your health as any other influences.So keep moving at least 30 minutes a day with a walk, a game of golf, gardening, a hit of tennis – they’re all investments in your long-term mobility and energy levels. The range of opportunities open to you is far broader if you are in good health.
Take Action!
If you don’t already have one, find a GP you feel comfortable talking to Make an annual visit to your GP an essential goal each birthday.
Talk to your GP about:
Your family’s medical history Osteoporosis risk
Weight, height and waist measure An annual flu shot and other immunisations you may need
Blood pressure Screening for kidney disease
Cholesterol levels Screening for bowel cancer – every 2 years
Type 2 diabetes risk
Skin cancer risk
Prostate cancer risk – talk to your GP about what action is appropriate for you
Hearing and vision tests
With the risk of heart disease and high blood pressure increasing with age, it’s important to have your blood pressure and fasting blood cholesterol and fats measured regularly. If they are within normal limits, a re-check every two years will be enough to keep a watchful eye on things. If your test results are creeping up a little, your doctor will be able to help you make a few changes and tell you when to come back for a review.
