A lot happens between the ages of 15 and 29. It is a period of transition physically, emotionally and socially; from childhood to adulthood and from education into work.
For many men this period in life can present a number of challenges. Such life challenges can increase the likelihood that young men will be susceptible to a group of health risks associated with their age group. These include a vulnerability to certain mental illnesses, harmful alcohol, tobacco and other drug use, self harm and suicide, sexually transmitted diseases, and injuries caused by car accidents.
Many of the health risks faced by men in this age group are self-inflicted. It is a time when men often challenge themselves, those around them and the environments in which they live to understand and test their skills and abilities. This also means that many of the health risks men face are under their direct control.
It is important for men to have information on the factors that can prevent young people’s vulnerability to these health problems, and promote healthy social functioning, good diet and nutrition, and physical activity.
Through their teenage years many men are physically active. One of the most important lifestyle behaviours not to leave behind is that of physical activity. If men can maintain a habit of regular physical activity despite the changes to their work, family and social habits, they will reap a very considerable benefit for the rest of their lives.
Click here for more information.
Men in their 30s are often pretty busy. Establishing themselves in their work life, starting a family and paying off a house can take up a lot of time. As a result, it can be easy to overlook personal health.
But if you want to live fast and die old, there are a few things it is essential to do. One of them is to ensure that you get into the habit of seeing your doctor for a regular check-up. Even if you think there’s nothing wrong with you – which would be great, we hope that is the case – regular check-ups with your GP can help to make sure that there remains nothing wrong with you, or that you catch any problems early on.
Click here for more information.
The fifth decade. That’s sounds a bit ominous, doesn’t it? The 40s can represent a particular challenge for many men. They have often been in the workforce for some time and are expected to be at their most productive. This can mean extra hours at work at a time when children, if they are around, are growing up and wanting more of their dad’s time.
Then there are partners, friends and extended family whose needs also need to be considered…
These demands are sometimes made just that bit more difficult by the creeping realisation that we’re not as young as we once used to be. Activities that, ten years ago, could simply be added to the daily routine are now proving a little harder to maintain. The daily routine, if we’re not careful, can turn into the daily grind.
Click here for more information.
Historically, once a man reached his 50s, he was seen to be in the twilight of his productive years, at least as far as work goes. These days, however, with improvements in health as well as changes to economic and other factors which influence our retirement, many men feel ready and willing to continue in the workforce for some time yet. Others are only too happy to think about slowing down a little and enjoying the fruits of their labour.
Which ever way your preferences lie, good health is no less a priority now than it ever has been. What has changed is that a man’s risk of a number of illnesses grows fairly sharply around this age. Many of the chronic illnesses that are influenced by our lifestyles become more common amongst a population of men in this age group. That increases the importance of visiting your doctor to assess your own health and whether you have any risks of illnesses that you can reduce by making some changes to your lifestyle. In short, there’s no time like the present.
Click here for more information.
Most men in their 60s are either in or actively planning for a life outside the workforce. It is a time of significant change in terms of how men spend their time and who they spend it with. How they spend their time has as much to do with their health as any other influences.
Being able to at least maintain the level activity they are used to, both physically and mentally, is one of the key objectives of many men in this age group. The range of opportunities that become available once full time employment is left behind is far broader if a man is in good health.
The importance of regularly visiting your doctor to assess your health and manage any illnesses becomes increasingly important in this age group to ensure a man is able to maintain his enjoyment of life and a range of activities.
Click here for more information.
As our understanding of the ageing process improves it is becoming increasingly apparent that the associations once held as being as unchangeable consequence of advancing years – frailty, lost independence, mental decline – can be significantly influence by our lifestyles.
Not only is it possible to increase the number of years you live beyond seventy, it is equally possible to be more productive and energetic across these years. The great benefit of this is, of course, the increased opportunity to stay involved in a meaningful way with friends, family and even work, if it is your preference.
Staying involved with your doctor is an important component of achieving this. The importance of regularly visiting your doctor to assess your health and manage any illnesses has never been more important.
Click here for more information.
Information gathered from Foundation 49.
The M5 Project targeting healthy lifestyles
https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/mens-health