Is Exercise the Secret to Healthy Ageing for Men?

It is actually good for men and women, but this one is for men.

As men enter their 50s and beyond, it becomes increasingly important to prioritize their overall health and well-being. Aging presents a unique set of challenges, but with the right knowledge and habits, it is possible to embrace the aging process and enjoy a healthy and fulfilling life.

Common health concerns for men over 50

As men age, certain health concerns become more prevalent. One common concern is prostate health. Regular check-ups and screenings can help detect any issues early on and ensure appropriate treatment. However, exercise can reduce your risk.

Keeping your prostate healthy.

In a study of more than 57,000 Swedish men over seven years, those who improved their cardiorespiratory fitness by 3% a year were 35% less likely to develop prostate cancer. That is a powerful reason to up your game.

The importance of regular exercise

Regular exercise is crucial for maintaining overall health and well-being, especially as men age. Engaging in physical activity has many health benefits, and this new research now shows that improving cardiovascular fitness as we age is protective against disease.

Cardiovascular endurance is how well your heart and lungs supply the oxygen you need to maintain a moderate to intense exercise session. Improving aerobic fitness with exercises like brisk walking, cycling, swimming, rowing, or cross-country skiing is important to maintain health.

How to Improve Cardiovascular Fitness

You may be wondering if you can improve your cardiovascular fitness as you age. The good news is that, yes, you can, and it doesn’t take long to see the results. But you do need to start slowly. If you can exercise longer at higher intensity, you have good cardiovascular fitness.

There are a number of tests to measure cardiovascular fitness and ways to improve it, from steady-state training at a moderate intensity or interval training. Steady-state training is good for building a base of fitness and getting back into exercise. Interval training is great for when you are already fit and want a challenging workout in less time.

It’s important to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new exercise regimen, especially if you have pre-existing health conditions. Remember to start slowly and gradually increase intensity and duration to avoid injury and allow the body to adapt.

Have any questions about improving your cardiovascular fitness? Let me know, or book a free Discovery Session here to discuss your fitness options.

Change your mind, change your health,

Shayla