Australian males are finally starting to realise they need to change old habits and look after themselves better, writes Hannah Davies'We will have healthier older people who will be living longer and will be more self-sufficient'
THERE was a time when Spence Broughton's car used to receive a better service than his own health did. These days he's a changed man.After surviving prostate cancer and heart disease almost 10 years ago, the great grandfather decided it was time to turn over a new leaf. He adopted a healthy new diet and an exercise plan.According to new Federal Government data, Mr Broughton, 69, from Everton Park in Brisbane, is one of millions of Aussie blokes embarking on a health kick.
The retired surveyor is quick to stress the benefits.``Men need to look at their full maintenance schedule and make sure they are working as they should be,'' he said.``I was a heavy smoker and drinker but that's all in the past now.``Exercise is the best way to keep fit in body and in spirit. It doesn't spoil life, it enhances it.''Ten years ago, evidence pointed to men's health being far worse than women's.
Now, a report from the Department of Health and Ageing reveals, men have finally realised that giving up cigarettes but exercising and going to the doctor is the way forward.The change will increase the average man's life by almost two years, resulting in a huge demographic shift for the nation. Within 40 years, the number of people aged over 65 will have almost tripled from 2.8 million to about 7.2 million.
Changes at the top of the longevity ladder will be even more marked, with one in 11 people aged over 85.``Australia will be changed forever,'' Minister for Ageing Justine Elliot said.``We will have healthier older people who will be living longer and will be more self-sufficient.''
Data from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare shows that smoking among men dropped from more than 70 per cent in 1945 to just over 20 per cent in 2004.This is among the lowest in the world and is believed to have contributed to Australia achieving one of the highest average life-expectancy estimates of any country.
In Queensland, the male smoking rate is the lowest it has ever been, at 21.5 per cent.Susan Greenbank, manager of prevention and early detection at Cancer Council Queensland, said smoking bans statewide in pubs and clubs, as well as ongoing campaigns had helped get the message through to men.``It's promising that more men are quitting smoking, and hopefully this will lead to a decline in the number of deaths from lung cancer, which is the biggest male killer,'' she said.When it comes to life expectancy, there are other factors at play.
Australian Medical Association federal president Rosanna Capolingua said that in recent years more men had started visiting the doctor.``Women have always gone to doctors, while men have tended to shy away from seeing a doctor for a check-up or a preventative consultation. Now they're learning that it's a good thing to do,'' she said.``It's worth celebrating the fact that healthy lifestyle and being health-conscious can reap rewards in terms of longevity.''
Diabetes patient Rob Rule is well aware how important a visit to the GP can be.The 55-year-old property consultant thought he was in top shape when he went for a check-up.Rather than getting a clean bill of health, he was told he had Type II diabetes and needed to dramatically change his lifestyle if he wanted to live to enjoy his retirement.
It was the wake-up call Mr Rule needed.``I didn't realise that I had been neglecting my body my whole life,'' he said.The father of three from Nambour on the Sunshine Coast set about changing his unhealthy ways -- ditching the junk food and exercising.He took up walking and has completed two marathons in the past five years.``I feel so much healthier these days and wish I'd done more about my health in my younger years,'' he said.
Despite the report's encouraging figures, experts believe there is still more to be done.The Australian male life expectancy is 78 years, compared with 83 years for women. Men also have a much poorer prognosis when they are diagnosed with cancer, heart disease, diabetes, respiratory problems or have a stroke.
Professor John Macdonald, co-director of the University of Western Sydney Men's Health Information and Resource Centre, said men would benefit from annual reminders for health checks.``Healthcare providers and governments need to focus their attention on ways to draw men into regular medical check-ups,'' he said.``It's time to move beyond blaming men for not taking care of themselves.``Just as we receive a notice each year to have the car inspected before it is registered, the health service and local GPs could establish a system to notify men over 50 when it's time for a check-up,'' he said.
Prof Macdonald said early-detection programs for breast and cervical cancer could be replicated in men's health.``Regular visits to the doctor help break down barriers and provide the opportunity for other health issues to be raised and discussed,'' he said. Experts at Cancer Council Queensland agree.
Ms Greenbank said: ``In our experience men still take longer to report health problems to a GP than women.``We need to continue to promote the need for men to visit a doctor if they notice anything abnormal.``Men also need to continue to reduce their risk of getting cancers by maintaining a healthy weight with a sensible diet and physical activity, by abstaining from or reducing alcohol consumption and not smoking.''
Dr Chris Davis, acting president of the Australian Medical Association Queensland, said the public health campaigns targeting men had paid dividends, but more needed to be done.``We need more men to take steps to reduce lung cancer, bowel cancer and skin cancer,'' he said.``Men also need to adopt good stress management techniques as this can reduce the risk of heart attacks and reliance on potentially harmful substances, as well as keeping the immune system in good order.''
For Mr Broughton, walking is the key to good health.``I try to do 10,000 steps a day with my pedometer,'' he said.``Unfortunately, it always reads less than that but the intent is there.''