Ageing Means Changing the Male Mindset

Most men are notoriously bad at taking health problems seriously, and that goes doubly so for independently minded expats so used to taking care of things themselves. However, while we may try to ignore health issues, using every excuse under the sun to avoid dragging ourselves down to the doctor’s office, as we get older, this male mindset can have harsh, even potentially fatal consequences.

Sadly, as we age we become more susceptible to health problems. Minor infections that in our youth we could shake off with ease start to become more troublesome. There is just no avoiding that as we get older, our regenerative abilities become limited, making us more prone to sickness. This is where our unwillingness to visit the doctor can trip us up. You see how serious a problem is and what can be done about it often depends upon how quickly the problem is diagnosed, and how quickly treatment begins.

Ignorance is not bliss!

Many older men ignore twinges and minor aches and pains; they also tend to take little notice of what appear minor changes to how their bodies function; such as the frequency of urination during the night. The problem here is that many of these changes happen slowly over time, so we ignore them or just think of them as the normal effects of getting older.

Accept that older bodies need more looking after

Just like older cars need more care and maintenance, as we get older, having regular medical check ups becomes more important. Check ups often identify medical conditions in their early stages, when quick treatment can have excellent results. Sometimes, a check up can give you advanced warning of possible problems ahead, such as a rising blood pressure or blood sugar level. Being made aware of conditions such as blood pressure or sugar levels gives you the opportunity to do something about it, like adjusting your diet. Taking action early on can stave off future problems or prevent worsening of the condition.

Booking in for regular medicals is obviously a good idea, but if you have been experiencing any of the following symptoms, you should get yourself checked out by your doctor sooner rather than later.

●     Chest pains or pains across you arms or neck                       ●     Palpitations or a racing heartbeat

●     Unexplained headaches                                                          ●     Weakness, dizziness or blurred vision

●     Cuts and bruises that take a long time to heal                        ●     Frequent infections

●     Frequent urination                                                                  ●     Extreme thirst

●     Nausea Excessive                                                                   ●     Sweating

All of this doesn’t mean older men should become worrywart hypochondriacs marching off to the doctor’s office at the slightest twinge. The truth is that most aches and pains are caused by minor problems; so don’t panic and assume that having indigestion always means a heart attack is imminent. Rather, be aware that as age catches up, and repeated troublesome problems like indigestion or having to make two or three trips to the bathroom during the night may be an indication of something more than just too much curry and beer.