Staying healthy as you age doesn’t mean your calendar will be loaded with doctor appointments and your cabinets stocked with vitamins and medications.

It also doesn’t mean ignoring healthy activities and spending your days couch surfing.

As we age, we must adjust our habits to maintain our health. But there are easy ways men can make healthy habits part of their daily routine.

Consider your primary care physician your guide to good health. With an annual visit, your doctor can run some simple tests to make sure you’re feeling good for years to come. Regular check-ups can also help your doctor catch any health issues or symptoms and treat them before they turn into a serious health problem.

Here are five things men should do to stay healthy as they age:

1. Get checked out. Protect your heart by getting your blood pressure checked yearly and cholesterol checked every 1-5 years, depending on your levels and age. Get tested for diabetes too, especially if you are overweight or have a family history.
2. Maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight can lead to heart disease, diabetes, joint problems, depression, sleep apnea and other issues. Also, limit your alcohol intake which can increase the risk for obesity and cause other health issues.
3. Exercise regularly. Strive for 30 minutes of cardio activity five times a week. If you can’t do that much, do as much as possible because every little bit helps. In addition to helping you to maintain a healthy weight, exercise can relieve stress and improve your mood, self-esteem, heart health, sex life, sleep and it has tons of other benefits.
4. Get enough sleep. Losing a few hours of sleep can have a major effect on your well-being. Sleep deprivation can lead to weight gain and mental health issues.
5. Get screened for cancer. Most men need their first colonoscopy at age 50 (sometimes earlier depending on individual risk factors) to screen for colon cancer. If it’s normal, you are good for 10 years! Screening for prostate cancer usually starts around age 50, but you can discuss the appropriate time to start this screening with your doctor. Current and former smokers should ask about a lung cancer screening. If you do smoke, quit! Kicking the habit can lower your risk of heart disease, asthma, lung cancer and many other health issues.

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