Maintaining health and quality of life

What some men notice in their 60s

Some men in their 60s notice they tire more easily, feel less strong, sleep less soundly or have less interest in sex. Others notice changes in mood, memory or concentration, or more aches and stiffness than before. You may find these changes creep up slowly.

Many different things can sit behind changes like these, from sleep, activity, alcohol and medicines to health conditions that a GP can look into. It is worth noting down what you feel and talking it through, rather than putting it all down to age.

This decade often brings big changes in daily life too: retiring or cutting down on work, caring for a partner or parent, grandchildren, a different rhythm to the week. These are worth factoring in when you think about how you feel.

Areas worth keeping an eye on

Heart health

Your GP practice can check your blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar, and talk you through what the results mean for you. You may be eligible for a free NHS Health Check, which is worth booking if so. Tell your GP about any breathlessness, palpitations or chest discomfort, and about heart problems in your family. If you have sudden chest pain, call for an ambulance straight away.

Prostate health

Some men in their 60s notice changes when they pass urine, such as going more often, getting up in the night, a weaker flow or a feeling of not having finished. These are worth mentioning to your GP. You can also ask about the PSA blood test. Your GP can explain what it involves, what a result might mean for you, and the pros and cons of having it, so you can decide together.

Bones

If you have broken a bone after a minor fall, or bone problems run in your family, mention it to your GP, who can talk through whether any checks make sense for you. It is also worth mentioning if you have had a fall or feel less steady on your feet.

Muscle and strength

Some men notice they feel less strong than they did, or find stairs, lifting or getting up from a low chair harder work. Movement and strength work are worth trying, starting gently and building up at your own pace. If you have a heart condition or joint problems, or have not exercised for a long time, check with your GP first.

Sleep

Some men find their sleep changes in their 60s: waking earlier, waking more in the night, or feeling unrefreshed in the morning. A regular routine, a cool dark bedroom, daylight and movement during the day, and keeping alcohol and late-day caffeine modest are all worth trying. If you snore heavily, often wake unrefreshed, or your partner notices pauses in your breathing, mention it to your GP.

Erections and sex life

Erection problems are worth raising with your GP, who may also want to check your heart health. It can feel awkward to bring up, but it is a routine conversation for a GP, and they can talk through possible causes and the options open to you.

Talking to your GP about treatment

If you are wondering about testosterone treatment, or any other treatment, start with your GP. They can talk through whether any tests make sense for you, what your results mean, and the options open to you, including their benefits and risks for someone with your health history.

Before the appointment, note when your symptoms started, how often they happen, what makes them better or worse, and everything you take, including supplements. In the appointment, ask what would happen next, how often you would be seen, and what to look out for. If you are offered a referral to a specialist, ask what it is for and how long you might wait.

Everyday habits worth trying

Movement you enjoy is worth making part of most days, whether that is walking, gardening, swimming or dancing, with some strength work using weights, resistance bands or your own body weight a couple of times a week. A qualified instructor can help you get started. Regular meals with plenty of vegetables and a good portion of protein, keeping alcohol modest, rest when you need it, and time with friends, family or your community are all worth building into your week.

If you are thinking about supplements, read the label carefully. Check the amount per daily serving and the percentage of the reference intake, and add up what you would get if you take more than one product, as the same nutrient often appears in several. Tell your GP or pharmacist about everything you take, especially if you also take prescribed medicines. In Great Britain, companies may only describe what a nutrient does using wording from the official register of authorised health claims, so be wary of anything that seems to promise more.

When to see your GP

• If you have not had your blood pressure, cholesterol or blood sugar checked for some time
• If tiredness, low mood, or changes in memory or concentration last for weeks or are affecting your life
• If you notice changes when you pass urine
• If you have erection problems, as your GP may also want to check your heart health
• If you snore heavily or your partner notices pauses in your breathing
• If you want to talk through treatment options, including their benefits and risks