• Height and weight measurement
• Blood pressure check
• Skin exam
• Prostate, rectal and thyroid exam
• Stool sample for blood
• Dental exam
• Hearing and vision
• Blood sugar test for diabetes
• Cholesterol checks if you or your loved one has diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure or if he smokes.
  
  

Every 3 years 

• Thyroid hormone test
• Complete blood count including cholesterol and blood sugar
• Hearing evaluation
• Complete vision evaluation including cataract and glaucoma exams
• Urine test for diabetes, kidney disease and other disorders

Every 3-5 years

• Sigmoidoscopy for colon cancer

Vaccines Prevent Disease
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that older men get these vaccinations:

• FLU SHOTS. The flu virus changes often so your relative (and you!) should get a flu shot every year between September and mid-November. Common side effects are soreness, swelling, headache or low fever. They usually disappear by the next day. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that all older adults should get a flu shot every year.
• PNEUMOCOCCAL VACCINE. Pneumococcal disease is a serious lung infection that can spread to other parts of the body. It is recommended for adults over 65 and can be given at along with a flu shot. Side effects are similar to those of flu shots.
  TETANUS is caused by bacteria that enter the body through a cut or puncture wound. Symptoms include stiffness in the jaw and neck, fever, and difficulty swallowing. Tetanus shots have few side effects – the most common is a sore arm. They should be given every ten years.
• DIPTHERIA is a serious bacterial infection that may cause breathing and heart problems. The vaccine can be given at the same time as a tetanus shot or tetanus booster.
• SHINGLES. If your relative had chickenpox as a child he or she may by at risk for developing shingles in later life. After the chickenpox symptoms disappear, the virus that caused the disease stays in the body's nerve cells. Years later the virus may become active again and cause severe pain. Zostavax is a new vaccine that boosts the body's immunity to the herpes virus and lessens the pain of shingles. Ask your doctor for more information about this medication.
  
  

Healthy Eating
Use the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to plan healthy meals and personalized menus for older men. It's available online at www.mypyramid.gov. USDA recommends filling his plate with:

• Whole grain breads, cereals, crackers, rice or pasta
• Broccoli, spinach, and other green leafy vegetables, carrots, and sweet potatoes
• Fresh, frozen, canned or dried fruit
• Low-fat milk, yogurt and other dairy products
• Low-fat or lean meats and poultry or protein sources like fish, beans, peas, and nuts
• Alcoholic drinks and sugary beverages should be used in moderation
• If a man, more senior in his years, needs to lose or gain weight or needs to restrict sugar or fat consumption suggest that he schedule an appointment with a registered dietitian. A dietitian can teach him to choose nutritious foods, develop weight loss or weight gain programs, count calories and carbohydrates and offer tips for making healthy food choices when eating out.
  
  

Active Aging
The benefits of physical activity are many. A good workout can help an older man:

• Prevent heart disease and other age-related disorders
• Reduce high blood pressure
• Manage weight
• Increase strength and energy
• Sleep better, feel better
• If a man, more senior in his years, hasn't had much physical activity recently, suggest that he start a fitness program slowly and gradually increase his workouts to avoid injuries. Remind him that not all physical activities require weight lifting, shooting hoops, hitting baseballs or running around the high school track. Raking leaves, mowing the lawn or walking to the store instead of driving to buy a newspaper all count as exercise and if he keeps at it will increase his fitness level.

To Your Good Health, Sir!
Learning how to care for a body that's no longer young is an important part of the aging process especially for older men. It may take time for a man to realize that his body is no longer 21 and needs much more care and attention than it did when he was younger. Family members can help older relatives become more knowledgeable about their changing bodies and health needs and learn how to accommodate the needs of their aging bodies.