What Every Man Should Know Before 40, 50 and 60

You service your car. You update your phone. But when was the last time you gave your own health the same attention?

For men working in healthcare, it’s easy to put everyone else first. LongMen’s health checks by age shifts, family life and demanding workloads often mean your own appointments are pushed further down the to-do list.

While no two people are the same, understanding which health checks become increasingly important as you get older can help you stay healthier for longer.

Before 40: Build Healthy Habits

Your 20s and 30s are the ideal time to prevent future health problems rather than react to them.

By the age of 40, every man should know:

• Their blood pressure.
• Their approximate weight and waist measurement.
• Whether there is a family history of heart disease, diabetes, bowel cancer or prostate cancer.
• The importance of protecting their skin from sun damage, even in the UK.
• The value of regular eye tests, particularly if using screens for long periods or driving frequently.

If you’re overweight, have a family history of diabetes or belong to a higher-risk ethnic group, speak to your GP about whether earlier diabetes assessment is appropriate.

Before 50: Start Thinking Long-Term

As you approach your 50s, your risk of several long-term health conditions begins to increase.

It’s a good time to:

• Have your cholesterol checked if it hasn’t been done recently.
• Continue monitoring your blood pressure regularly.
• Discuss your individual risk of prostate problems with your GP, particularly if you have a close family history of prostate cancer or are from a higher-risk group.
• Stay physically active to support heart health, muscle strength and mobility.
• Continue attending regular eye tests, as the risk of age-related eye conditions gradually increases.

Many men still feel perfectly healthy at this age, but high blood pressure and raised cholesterol often develop without causing symptoms.

Before 60: Don’t Ignore Routine Screening

By your late 50s and early 60s, routine health checks become even more valuable.

Depending on your age and where you live in the UK, you may be invited for NHS bowel cancer screening. If you receive an invitation, don’t put it aside. Screening can detect changes before symptoms appear and plays an important role in early diagnosis.

Continue to:

• Monitor blood pressure and cholesterol.
• Watch for changes in urinary symptoms or persistent prostate concerns and discuss them with your GP.
• Be aware of any unexplained weight loss, blood in your stool or urine, or ongoing changes in bowel habits.
• Keep up with eye tests, particularly if you have diabetes or other long-term conditions.
• Check your skin regularly for new or changing moles or lesions.

Don’t Forget Your Heart

Cardiovascular disease remains one of the leading causes of ill health in men.

The good news is that many of the biggest risk factors are modifiable.

Stopping smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, being physically active, eating a balanced diet, managing stress, limiting alcohol and attending routine health checks can all help reduce your risk.

A Simple Annual Health MOT

Choose one day each year—perhaps your birthday—to ask yourself:

• Do I know my blood pressure?
• Have I had my cholesterol checked if appropriate?
• Am I at a healthy weight?
• Am I physically active most weeks?
• Have I attended any screening I’ve been invited to?
• Have I booked my routine eye test?
• Have I noticed any new or unusual symptoms?
• How is my mental wellbeing?

Your Health Matters Too

Healthcare professionals spend every day encouraging patients to seek help early, attend screening appointments and take symptoms seriously.

Take your own advice.

Looking after your health isn’t selfish—it’s one of the best investments you can make for your future, your family and the patients and people who rely on you every day.

This article is intended for general wellbeing information only and should not replace personalised medical advice. Screening invitations, eligibility and health checks vary depending on your age, medical history and individual circumstances. If you have any concerns about your health, speak to your GP or another qualified healthcare professional.