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Health indicators for men over 50 to monitor longevity
Health experts suggest that men over the age of 50 should monitor specific physical indicators to assess longevity and detect potential underlying diseases, rather than relying solely on the absence of symptoms or general feelings of well-being.
Key indicators include maintaining a stable weight and waist circumference to mitigate risks of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. Experts note that as age increases, muscle mass tends to decline, making it easier for the body to accumulate fat. Maintaining muscle mass while limiting excess abdominal fat is considered crucial.
Other essential metrics for periodic monitoring include blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and blood glucose. Blood pressure should ideally remain below 120/80 mmHg, while total cholesterol levels under 200 mg/dL are generally considered healthy. Monitoring blood glucose is also vital for the early detection of insulin resistance or diabetes.
Entities
Cleveland Clinic · Harvard Health Publishing · National Institute on Aging