It’s no secret: the older we get, the more care our bodies need. Even if we stay active, eat healthy, and check in regularly with our doctors, no one is immune to the effects of aging. There are also health issues that disproportionately affect older gay men, such as HIV and mood disorders, that can lead to worsening health and premature aging.
Maybe we all won’t be as spry as Sir Ian McKellen at his age, but there are a few common health issues that you can discuss with your doctor to make sure you’re living healthy at any age.
Cardiovascular Health
Cardiovascular issues, including heart disease and stroke, are the leading causes of death in men worldwide. Cholesterol can gradually block arteries in the heart and brain, which can eventually form a blood clot. The onset of cardiovascular issues occurs much earlier in men than in women, so it’s important to stay vigilant.
You can reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease by getting your cholesterol checked regularly, quitting smoking, and increasing your physical activity to at least a half-hour per day. The foods you eat have a major effect on your cardiovascular health, so add more fruits and vegetables to your diet and try to cut trans fats!
Prostate Cancer
This is another big one: one in six men will be diagnosed with some form of prostate cancer in their lifetime, and early detection is key to preventing some of the worst complications. The earlier prostate cancer is detected, the better the odds that it can be successfully treated, but it’s important to ask your doctor about treatment options.
Many older gay men have expressed concern over treatment-related sexual dysfunction. Since most information about prostate cancer comes from older straight men in long-term relationships, it’s important to discuss your sexual history and activity with your doctor.
HIV and AIDS
HIV and AIDS are still prevalent health issues for older gay men, and will most likely be ongoing concerns in the next decades: while 29 percent of people living with HIV or AIDS are currently over 50, 70 percent of the same population are over 40.
There are very few prevention programs targeting older adults, and it’s rare for physicians to discuss HIV and AIDS prevention with older patients. Luckily, the National Institutes of Health are supporting new studies of HIV and AIDS in an aging population, focusing on age-related changes in immune functions, metabolic complications, and different responses to treatments.
Disability and Chronic Conditions
Very few studies have been conducted on the specific effects of chronic health issues and disability on older gay men, but it’s important to note that Type II diabetes is a significant concern for older men, often appearing with few symptoms.
You can reduce your risk of Type II diabetes by exercising and maintaining a healthy diet low in refined sugars. The good news is that the 30 minutes of exercise a day you’re getting for your cardiovascular health are also reducing your risk of diabetes!
Mental Health
While taking care of your body is important, you should pay just as much attention to your mind. Studies have indicated that older gay men and women have higher occurrences of depression and feelings of isolation, and many of these problems can be made worse by chronic health issues or the loss of friends.
There are many ways to treat depression and mood disorders, particularly therapy and medications. Social outings, like joining a club or getting together with friends, can reduce feelings of isolation and keep you active.
And Now, Some Good News
In a recent survey of older gay men and women conducted by MetLife, over 75% of participants responded that they felt like being LGBT prepared them to age well. Among the benefits the respondents cited were that being LGBT made them more accepting, more resilient, and more accepting of others.
These qualities, along with prevention and self care, can go a long way to maintaining both physical and mental health at any age. Remember: you’re not the only one getting older, and you can always reach out to friends and members of your community to ask questions, compare experiences, or share advice.
Maybe we all won’t be as spry as Sir Ian McKellen at his age, but there are a few common health issues that you can discuss with your doctor to make sure you’re living healthy at any age.
Cardiovascular Health
Cardiovascular issues, including heart disease and stroke, are the leading causes of death in men worldwide. Cholesterol can gradually block arteries in the heart and brain, which can eventually form a blood clot. The onset of cardiovascular issues occurs much earlier in men than in women, so it’s important to stay vigilant.
You can reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease by getting your cholesterol checked regularly, quitting smoking, and increasing your physical activity to at least a half-hour per day. The foods you eat have a major effect on your cardiovascular health, so add more fruits and vegetables to your diet and try to cut trans fats!
"The older we get, the more care our bodies need. No one is immune to the effects of aging".
This is another big one: one in six men will be diagnosed with some form of prostate cancer in their lifetime, and early detection is key to preventing some of the worst complications. The earlier prostate cancer is detected, the better the odds that it can be successfully treated, but it’s important to ask your doctor about treatment options.
Many older gay men have expressed concern over treatment-related sexual dysfunction. Since most information about prostate cancer comes from older straight men in long-term relationships, it’s important to discuss your sexual history and activity with your doctor.
HIV and AIDS
HIV and AIDS are still prevalent health issues for older gay men, and will most likely be ongoing concerns in the next decades: while 29 percent of people living with HIV or AIDS are currently over 50, 70 percent of the same population are over 40.
There are very few prevention programs targeting older adults, and it’s rare for physicians to discuss HIV and AIDS prevention with older patients. Luckily, the National Institutes of Health are supporting new studies of HIV and AIDS in an aging population, focusing on age-related changes in immune functions, metabolic complications, and different responses to treatments.
Disability and Chronic Conditions
Very few studies have been conducted on the specific effects of chronic health issues and disability on older gay men, but it’s important to note that Type II diabetes is a significant concern for older men, often appearing with few symptoms.
You can reduce your risk of Type II diabetes by exercising and maintaining a healthy diet low in refined sugars. The good news is that the 30 minutes of exercise a day you’re getting for your cardiovascular health are also reducing your risk of diabetes!
Mental Health
While taking care of your body is important, you should pay just as much attention to your mind. Studies have indicated that older gay men and women have higher occurrences of depression and feelings of isolation, and many of these problems can be made worse by chronic health issues or the loss of friends.
There are many ways to treat depression and mood disorders, particularly therapy and medications. Social outings, like joining a club or getting together with friends, can reduce feelings of isolation and keep you active.
And Now, Some Good News
In a recent survey of older gay men and women conducted by MetLife, over 75% of participants responded that they felt like being LGBT prepared them to age well. Among the benefits the respondents cited were that being LGBT made them more accepting, more resilient, and more accepting of others.
These qualities, along with prevention and self care, can go a long way to maintaining both physical and mental health at any age. Remember: you’re not the only one getting older, and you can always reach out to friends and members of your community to ask questions, compare experiences, or share advice.
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