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For Immediate Release
October 28, 2009

For Further Information:
Erin Weller
eweller@americangeriatrics.org
(212) 308-1414

Good Health in Later Life for Older Men with the AGS
Foundation for Health in Aging's New Health Tip Sheet

While Americans are living longer than ever, American men still aren't living as long as American women, the latest longevity statistics show. On average, men in the US live about 75 years -- 5 fewer than women.

Why the longevity gap? No one knows for sure. But research suggests that a leading reason may be that men don't take care of themselves as well as women do.

To help older men do that, the American Geriatrics Society's (AGS') Foundation for Health in Aging (FHA) has published an easy to understand health "tip sheet" -- "For Older Men: Tips for Good Health in Later Life" -- just for them.

"By doing such things as eating a healthy diet, following an exercise plan that's appropriate for them, maintaining a healthy weight, refraining from smoking, seeing their healthcare providers for check-ups and screening tests, and taking medications as recommended - men can boost their odds of living longer and healthier lives," says geriatrician and AGS member Barney Spivack, MD, Medical Director of LifeCare, Inc. in Shelton, Connecticut

The FHA's tip sheet offers up-to-date advice, tailored to the needs of older men, on taking medications safely, eating well, and exercising safely. It includes information about screening tests -- including those for abdominal aortic aneurysm, bone health, prostate cancer, colorectal cancer, depression, and sexually transmitted diseases. The tip sheet also offers advice on avoiding falls and fractures, quitting smoking, staying mentally sharp and socially engaged in later life, and whether and how much to drink.

The FHA released a companion tip sheet - "For Older Women: Tips for Good Health in Later Life" earlier this year.

The tip sheets are just the latest in the Foundation's ongoing series of easily understood, up-to-date and authoritative health tip sheets for older adults and their caregivers. The tip sheets and other easy-to-read health information for seniors and caregivers on the FHA website -- www.healthinaging.org -- can be downloaded and shared at no cost.

ABOUT THE FHA
In 1999, the American Geriatrics Society reached beyond its traditional role as a professional medical society and launched the AGS Foundation for Health in Aging (FHA). The FHA aims to build a bridge between geriatrics health care professionals and the public, and advocate on behalf of older adults and their special needs: wellness and preventive care, self-responsibility and independence, and connections to family and community. The FHA champions initiatives in public education, clinical research, and public policy that advance the principles and practice of geriatrics medicine; educate policy makers and the public on the health care needs and concerns of older adults; support aging research that reduces disability and frailty, and improves quality of life and health outcomes; encourage older adults to be effective advocates for their own health care; and help family members and caregivers take better care of their older loved ones and themselves.

ABOUT THE AGS
Founded in 1942, the American Geriatrics Society (www.americangeriatrics.org) is a non-profit organization of more than 6,400 healthcare professionals whose shared mission is to improve the health, independence and quality of life of older people. Our vision for the future is that all older adults will have access to quality healthcare that meets their unique needs. To achieve this, the Society focuses on: advancing eldercare research; enhancing clinical practice in eldercare; raising public awareness of the healthcare needs of older people; and advocating for public policy that ensures older adults access to quality, appropriate, cost-effective care. The Society is a pivotal force in shaping practices, policies and perspectives in the field.