9 health risks for boys and men and what to do about them

Deaths from injury are around 2.6 times more common for men than for women, and men are more likely to die from preventable diseases. Men living in very remote areas are about twice as likely to be hospitalised for, or die from, injuries than men living in major cities. These figures paint a concerning picture, but the good news is there is plenty of practical advice that can improve a man’s chance of a long and healthy life.

Whatever your age, here is what to look out for, starting with boys.

Help boys deal with trauma#

Childhood trauma can have lifelong effects that may be physical, mental, or both. Events that can be traumatic for children include accidents, family breakdown, separation from a parent or carer, bullying, abuse, neglect, experiencing or witnessing violence, war, and intergenerational trauma. Stress caused by poverty can also weigh heavily on children.

Parents and carers play an important role in helping boys during and after times of trauma. Sticking to a regular routine, being understanding, giving extra attention, and making sure he gets enough rest and sleep can all help reduce the impact. With active support from parents, carers and mental health professionals, boys who have experienced trauma have a better chance of fewer negative health effects over their lives. Families can also seek advice from a doctor, counsellor or psychologist.

Boys aged 5 to 14: asthma and anxiety#

Anxiety and asthma are two leading causes of poor health in boys aged 5 to 14.

If a child in your care has difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, coughing, wheezing or chest tightness, see a doctor to discuss whether he could have asthma. Around one in 10 children have asthma. Symptoms and triggers vary, so a medical diagnosis is important. With good management, boys with asthma can lead happy, healthy lives.

Anxiety disorders are a common mental health concern in young children. It is estimated that around one in seven children experience mental health issues, and about half of all serious mental health problems in adulthood begin before the age of 14. Families are often best placed to notice changes in a boy’s thinking, emotions or behaviour.

Not all anxiety is a disorder. It is common for boys of all ages to fear situations or objects that adults do not find threatening, and parents can help boys deal with their fears. If you are concerned your child may have an anxiety disorder, or is particularly burdened by fears or phobias, seek help from a mental health professional. A doctor, school psychologist or counsellor is a good starting point.

Adolescent boys: encourage fewer risks#

The adolescent years are typically a time of experimentation. Boys can be vulnerable during this period because low risk-perception is often combined with high risk-taking, which can lead to choices that harm physical and mental health.

Many adolescent boys experiment with alcohol, but drinking too much can affect their physical and mental health and their ability to make good decisions. Alcohol is responsible for most drug-related deaths among teenagers. Parents and carers can help counter peer pressure by modelling sensible habits, such as drinking moderately or not at all, not drinking every time they socialise, dealing with stress in healthy ways, and never drinking and driving. It also helps to talk to boys about the links between drinking and dangerous behaviour, such as unsafe sex, drink driving and fighting.

Peers play a significant role in adolescent boys’ lives, and social connection and friendship are vital. Confident boys who feel supported by family and friends are less susceptible to peer pressure, make better decisions, and can more safely navigate the challenges of adolescence.

Adolescent boys: good mental health#

Good mental health is very important for adolescent boys. Close, stable relationships at home, at school and in the community help protect their mental health and wellbeing.

Adolescents and young men: practise safe sex#

Sex is a healthy part of life, but unsafe sex can have lifelong consequences for adolescent boys and young men, including sexually transmissible infections (STIs) and unplanned pregnancy.

Access to comprehensive, factual information helps young people manage sexual relationships safely and responsibly, and research shows it does not encourage them to experiment sexually. Discussions should cover a broad range of topics, including the biology of reproduction, healthy relationships, decision-making, sexual and gender diversity, contraception and STIs.

STIs can be passed on during unsafe vaginal, oral or anal sex, and any sexually active young man can catch one. Most STIs can be prevented by practising safe sex, including the correct use of barrier protection such as condoms, internal condoms and dams. While some STIs can be treated, others have no cure and can affect a man’s whole life. Young men who are not ready to be fathers need detailed information about, and access to, contraception.

Young men aged 15 to 24: look after your mental health#

Young men experience higher than average levels of mental ill health. Between 15 and 24 years of age, suicide and self-inflicted injuries, along with alcohol use disorders, are leading causes of health burden in males. Death by suicide is more than three times more common in males than in females.

There are many reasons young men experience mental health issues, including stressful experiences such as a relationship breakup or other traumatic event, grief after the death of someone close, losing a job, or failing an important exam. Loneliness and social isolation can also increase the risk of poor health. Alcohol use is associated with an increased risk of more than 200 chronic conditions, as well as violence, assault and road accidents.

Rates of help-seeking among young males are low, at around 13 per cent, yet reaching out is a vital step in improving men’s mental health. Support is available from doctors, counsellors and psychologists. Staying socially engaged and connected to the community is also an important protective factor, and family and friends provide invaluable support during tough times.

Adult men aged 25 to 60: keep stress under control#

For adult men, heightened stress can significantly affect health and wellbeing, including conditions such as anxiety and depression. Some day-to-day stress is normal, but it can become more pronounced at particular times or in particular areas of life. For example:

• new fatherhood – fathers can be at higher risk of mental ill health, and up to one in 10 dads experience depression after the birth of their baby
• work-related stress, particularly unemployment, which can affect both physical and mental health
• financial stress – loss of income and other financial setbacks can cause emotional as well as financial hardship

It is important to seek support during times of increased stress. Reaching out can take courage, but it can help men cope with and recover from stressful life stages. Talking to a trusted friend is a good place to start, and support services are available online and over the phone.

Adult men: look after your reproductive health#

From 25 to 60, regular medical check-ups and healthy lifestyle choices help protect the heart, lungs, brain, muscles and reproductive system. Reproductive health should also be a priority, as it contributes significantly to the chance of conceiving a healthy baby. Smoking damages the DNA in sperm, and excessive drinking can affect erectile function and sperm quality. Infertility affects around five to seven per cent of all males and is a marker of overall health. Having a general health check, quitting smoking, reducing alcohol, eating well and staying active are all steps men can take before starting a family.

Midlife men: diabetes, heart disease and other risks#

Type 2 diabetes is more common in men than in women, and the risk increases with age, so it is worth finding out if you are at risk. Coronary heart disease, lung cancer and musculoskeletal disorders are among the leading causes of poor health for midlife men. Men die from coronary heart disease and lung cancer at about twice the rate of women.

Some risk factors, such as family history and age, are beyond your control. Things men can do to reduce their risk through midlife include:

• losing weight if needed and eating a healthy diet
• reducing cholesterol and managing high blood pressure
• reducing alcohol intake
• quitting smoking
• being physically active
• staying socially connected and looking after mental health – depression and social isolation are risk factors for heart disease

Bowel cancer is also a risk for midlife men, so if you receive a screening kit, it is important to complete it.

Older men: check your prostate#

Prostate disease is a significant health risk for older men. Around 25 per cent of men aged 55 and over have a prostate condition, rising to 50 per cent by the age of 70.

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland and is the most common type of prostate disease. Some men with BPH notice no symptoms, while for others, problems with urination are a common sign. Lifestyle changes can help stop symptoms from getting worse, for example:

• increasing exercise
• reducing or cutting out caffeine and alcohol, which irritate the bladder
• avoiding things that cause constipation
• reducing your weight
• controlling diabetes and blood pressure
• quitting smoking

Prostate cancer is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer in males, affecting about one in 11 men, and is most common in the over-65 age group. If you have a family history of prostate disease, have regular check-ups and mention anything unusual to your doctor. Maintaining a healthy weight and eating a healthy diet are ways to lower your risk.

Men over 70: maintain physical and mental health#

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, keeping active and staying socially connected are simple ways men over 70 can give themselves the best chance of staying healthy and living longer.

Older men are more likely to experience conditions such as coronary heart disease and dementia, and to suffer harm from a fall. Coronary heart disease is among the top causes of death in males, so keep your heart healthy by:

• quitting smoking
• staying active
• eating a healthy, balanced diet
• lowering your blood pressure and cholesterol
• looking after your mental health and wellbeing – depression is a known risk factor

As life expectancy has risen, more men are being diagnosed with dementia, and its prevalence is expected to increase by around 90 per cent over the next 20 years. There is currently no cure, but keeping your mind active can help, and staying socially connected with community, family and friends can also lower the risk.

Falls are a major cause of injury for older men. To reduce your risk:

• have regular eye tests
• improve safety in and around your home
• discuss medications with your doctor, as taking several can increase your falls risk
• have regular health checks, eat well, and exercise to improve balance, strength and flexibility
• wear comfortable, well-fitting footwear

Key points#

• Parents and carers play an important role in helping boys during and after times of trauma.
• Young people still face many serious health issues, so early support matters.
• Anxiety disorders are a common mental health concern in young children, but not all anxiety is a disorder.
• Low risk-perception in adolescence can lead to choices that harm physical and mental health.
• Regular check-ups and healthy lifestyle choices help protect men’s health at every age.