June marks Men’s Health Awareness Month, a timely opportunity to spotlight the major health issues affecting men as they age—and to look at ways to boost healthy Aging and Longevity. While life expectancy for men has improved over time, studies show that men are still more likely than women to die prematurely from preventable causes such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes.

Below, we unpack the top health challenges men face, warning signs to look for, advancements in prevention and treatment, and Lifestyle changes that can make a lasting impact on health span—the years of life lived in good health.

1. Cardiovascular disease (CVD)

The #1 killer of men worldwide, cardiovascular disease includes heart attacks, strokes, high blood pressure, and other heart-related issues. The risk increases with age due to arterial stiffening, elevated cholesterol, and lifestyle factors.

• Prevalence: According to the CDC, approximately 1 in 20 adults aged 20 and older (about 5%) have coronary artery disease (CAD).
• Prevention:
  • Eat a heart-healthy Diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and omega-3 fatty acids.
  • Get at least 150 minutes of moderate Exercise per week.
  • Quit smoking and limit alcohol consumption.
• New Treatments: Advances in statin therapies, angioplasty procedures, and AI-assisted heart imaging are helping diagnose and treat heart conditions earlier.

Watch for: Chest pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, or irregular heartbeat.

2. Prostate health and cancer

Prostate cancer is the second most common Cancer in men worldwide (behind skin cancer). While it’s highly treatable when caught early, it often shows no symptoms in early stages.

• Risk Factors: Age (especially 50+), Family history, race (higher in African American men).
• Screening:
  • The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends men aged 55–69 discuss PSA testing with their doctor.
• Emerging Research: A recent study in JAMA Oncology found that integrating MRI in prostate cancer screeningpathways is associated with a reduced number of unnecessary biopsies and overdiagnosis of insignificant prostate cancer while maintaining clinically significant prostate cancer detection compared with PSA-only screening .

Watch for: Difficulty urinating, frequent urination (especially at night), blood in urine or semen, or pelvic discomfort.

3. Type 2 diabetes

Men are slightly more likely than women to develop type 2 Diabetes, often linked to abdominal obesity, inactivity, and poor diet. It significantly raises the risk of Heart Disease and kidney failure.

• Stats: Men had a higher prevalence of total and diagnosed diabetes (18.0% and 12.9%, respectively) compared with women (13.7% and 9.7%), according to the Centres of Disease Control (CDC). The agency also reports that the “percentage of adults with diabetes increased with age, reaching 29.2% among those aged 65 years or older.”
• Prevention:
  • Maintain a healthy weight.
  • Exercise regularly.
  • Follow a diet low in added sugars and refined carbs.
• Advancements: Continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) and GLP-1 receptor agonists (e.g., semaglutide/Ozempic) are revolutionizing diabetes management.

Watch for: Fatigue, excessive thirst, frequent urination, blurred vision, slow-healing wounds.

4. Depression and mental health

Depression in older men is under diagnosed, often due to stigma or misattributed symptoms. Left untreated, it increases the risk of chronic disease, cognitive decline, and even suicide.

• Common Signs in Men: Anger, irritability, or risky behavior rather than sadness.
• Prevention:
  • Stay socially connected.
  • Engage in regular physical activity.
  • Seek help early; Therapy and medication can be effective.
• Longevity Link: The Harvard Study of Adult Development, one of the longest-running studies on adult life, has found that close Relationships and strong social ties are the strongest predictors of long-term health and “are better predictors of long and happy lives than social class, IQ, or even genes.”

Watch for: Withdrawal, Sleep issues, appetite changes, loss of interest in activities.

5. Colorectal cancer

Men have a slightly higher risk of colon cancer than women, especially after age 50.

• Screening Guidelines: The American Cancer Society recommends regular colonoscopy screenings starting at age 45.
• Preventive Steps:
  • Eat a high-fiber, low-red-meat diet.
  • Avoid smoking and limit alcohol.
  • Stay physically active.
• New Tools: Non-invasive tests like FIT (fecal immunochemical test) and CT colonography can offer alternatives to colonoscopies.

Watch for: Blood in stool, unexplained weight loss, stomach pain, or changes in bowel habits.

6. Osteoporosis and bone loss

Often seen as mainly a women’s issue, osteoporosis affects 1 in 5 men aged 50+, according to the International Osteoporosis Foundation. Fractures from falls can lead to long-term disability.

• Risk Factors: Low testosterone, smoking, alcohol use, certain medications.
• Prevention:
  • Eat calcium- and vitamin D-rich foods.
  • Include resistance and balance exercises.
  • Ask about bone density tests after age 70 or sooner with risk factors.
• Latest Treatments: Bisphosphonates and denosumab can help reduce fracture risk.

Watch for: Height loss, back pain, or stooped posture.

Everyday tips for aging well

Living longer isn’t enough for SuperAgers—living well is also key. On this website, we report regularly on the key ways we can increase both lifespan and health span, mainly:

• Eat a Mediterranean-style diet: Linked to reduced risk of heart disease, dementia, and cancer.
• Move your body: Regular physical activity reduces all-cause mortality by up to 30%, according to World Health Organization.
• Prioritize sleep: Aim for 7–9 hours per night to support brain and metabolic health.
• Stay mentally engaged: Learn new skills, read, and stay socially connected to reduce the risk of cognitive decline.
• Don’t skip annual checkups: Many of us avoid medical care until symptoms become severe. Early detection is critical for managing chronic illness.

More on healthy aging

How you can reduce your risk of stroke, dementia and depression (all at the same time)

Top foods (including a few surprising ones) to take care of your ticker

Osteoporosis, the silent disease, can shorten your life − here’s how to prevent fractures and keep bones healthy

7 feel-good foods for better mental health (and foods to avoid)

What determines longevity? Genetics vs. Lifestyle

A mini-stroke can have major consequences. Here are symptoms you shouldn’t ignore

The big benefits regular exercise brings to longevity

Laugh lots, live longer? Here’s why laughter is a prescription for better health and longevity

Foods to help you sleep better (and possibly live longer)

Content on this site is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always check with your qualified healthcare providers with any questions or concerns regarding a medical condition.

David Cravit SuperAging News

Our mission is to curate the avalanche of news, research reports, expert advice and other content about longevity and healthy aging, to give our readers a practical blueprint for "getting older without getting old." In a short period of time, we have seen steady audience growth and, in particular, strong growth in our social media presence, which is now generating over 200,000 impressions a month. We offer a mix of original content and links to useful content from a wide range of sources.