Men’s health has followed the same reactive script for decades: wait for symptoms, then see a doctor. But it doesn’t have to be that way. There are new tools and technological advances that you can take advantage of to shift towards a proactive approach that prioritizes early detection, prevention, and a whole body view of health.
Being proactive about your health gives you the opportunity to catch potential problems early—and offer yourself the insights and tools to make informed, confident decisions—so you can take charge of your health at every stage of life.
This modern guide offers some proactive steps you can take from your 20s through your 70s, spotlighting the key checkups, habits, and screenings that matter most.
Related: The New Proactive Health Standards for Women
Your 20s: Small steps, big payoff
Your 20s might feel too early to think about long-term health—but the habits you build now lay the groundwork for the decades ahead. Being proactive helps you stay ahead of issues before they start.
What to focus on:
Annual Physicals: If you’re not sick— that’s great. But you can use these to establish baselines for blood pressure, weight, and overall health. And be sure to keep these up annually for the rest of your life.
Sexual Health: Get testing for STIs and discuss any changes with your doctor.
Vaccinations: Get the HPV vaccine if under 26, plus annual flu and COVID shots. Tdap every 10 years; ask about Hepatitis vaccines.
Skin Checks: Melanoma is one of the most common cancers in young adults. Catch it early with annual exams—especially if you spend time outdoors in the sun.
Baseline Bloodwork: Track cholesterol, glucose, and hormone levels to spot imbalances early and measure how lifestyle affects your health.
Family History: Talk with relatives about their health— especially first degree relatives like your parents and siblings. If chronic conditions run in your family, the earlier you start monitoring, the better — starting to work on preventative and proactive measures earlier is better than waiting until they affect you down the road.
Your 30s: Lock in your routine
Life moves fast in your 30s, but this decade sets the stage for long-term health. Small, intentional habits now can help you stay strong, focused, and resilient later.
What to focus on:
Testosterone & Hormones: Energy dipping? Muscle mass harder to maintain? Testosterone starts to decline around age 35. A hormone panel can identify imbalances early.
Mental Health: Stress, burnout, and anxiety are common. Therapy, support groups, or even a check-in with your doctor can make a difference.
Skin Checks: If you skipped them in your 20s, start now—especially if you spend time outdoors or have a family history of skin cancer.
Sexual Health: Changes in libido or function could signal deeper issues. Don’t ignore them—talk to your provider.
Your 40s: Invest now, benefit later
You may feel strong in your 40s, but this is when subtle shifts in health begin. The choices you make now can mean thriving later—or managing avoidable conditions.
What to focus on:
Colorectal Screening: The American Cancer Society recommends that people at average risk of colorectal cancer start regular screening at age 45.
Heart Health: According to research, heart risk rises in your 40s. Track BP, cholesterol, and consider a coronary calcium scan if recommended by your doctor.
Prostate Health: Discuss PSA testing with your doctor based on your personal and family history. Early screening can offer peace of mind.
Hormones & Metabolism: Energy, weight, or mood shifts may signal hormonal changes. A full panel can help guide next steps. Sarcopenia begins in your 40s—engage in strength training to maintain muscle mass and long-term mobility.
Vision & Hearing: Vision often declines subtly; eye exams can help catch glaucoma or early retina issues. Establishing a baseline with a hearing test is a proactive step in monitoring age-related hearing loss.
Skin Checks: Sun damage is cumulative—stick with annual skin exams to catch cancer early.
Sexual Health: According to Mayo Clinic, about 50% of men experience erectile dysfunction (ED) after the age of 40. But, the condition isn't “just aging”—it can reflect heart or hormone issues. Talk to your doctor.
Mental Health: Stress peaks in this decade. Prioritize mental well-being, therapy, and sleep quality.
Your 50s & 60s: Protect what you've built
You’ve built a lot—now protect it. These decades are about catching silent issues early and reinforcing habits that help keep you strong, sharp, and independent.
What to focus on:
Cancer Screenings:
- Colorectal: Colonoscopy becomes critical.
- Prostate: Continue PSA testing and exams.
- Lung: If you have a history of smoking, annual low-dose CT scans are recommended starting at 50.
- Skin: Monitor for new or changing moles as significantly more men develop melanoma in their 50s than women.
Heart Health: Heart disease risk peaks. Advanced lipid panels, calcium scoring, and heart imaging can help catch issues early.
Vision and Hearing: Test eyes and hearing every 1 to 2 years to prevent silent decline.
Cognitive Health: Watch for memory changes. Stay mentally active, socially connected, and heart-healthy.
Sexual Health: ED, stamina, and libido changes are common—address hormone, vascular, and mental health factors early.
Immunizations:
- Shingles vaccine at 50+
- Pneumonia vaccine by 65
- Annual flu and COVID boosters
- Tdap every 10 years
Emotional Health: Major life transitions can strain mental health. Therapy, community, and meaningful activities are powerful supports.
Your 50s and 60s are not about retreating—they’re about reinforcing your strength, staying sharp, and living fully. The choices you make now can add more years to your life—and more life to your years. Being proactive now can help you maintain healthspan—not just lifespan.
Your 70s & Beyond: Don’t just survive—thrive
Reaching your 70s is a milestone—and staying active, sharp, and independent is more important than ever. Small, steady actions now can help preserve strength, mobility, and quality of life.
What to focus on:
Cancer Screenings:
- Colorectal: Continue colonoscopy screening unless health issues suggest otherwise.
- Prostate: Risk increases with age. Get PSA testing based on personal and family risk.
- Skin: Stay vigilant with annual checks.
Cognitive Health: Watch for memory or mood changes. Puzzles, reading, exercise, and socializing all help protect brain health.
Vision and Hearing: Regular exams catch cataracts, glaucoma, and hearing loss early—key for preventing cognitive decline.
Bone Health: Higher risk for osteoporosis and fractures—get a whole body MRI with a body composition analysis to help keep track of your muscle-to-fat ratios. And, prioritize strength and balance training to maintain as much muscle as possible.
Heart and Lung Health: Manage chronic conditions through screenings, medications, diet, and exercise.
Social Connections: Loneliness impacts physical health. Stay engaged with friends, family, volunteering, or community groups.
You've built a lifetime of experience—now protect it with habits that help you live fully, on your terms. Your goals now: preserve function, prevent decline, and enjoy every moment to the fullest.
Every age: Don’t forget scheduled maintenance
You give your car regular scheduled maintenance. Do the same for yourself.
Routine maintenance includes:
- Dental Visits: See your dentist every six months for cleanings and exams. There is growing evidence of a link between gum disease and other conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, and even dementia.
- Vaccinations: Stay current on immunizations, including flu, shingles, COVID-19 boosters, and Tdap. Pneumonia and hepatitis are on the rise, but there are vaccines for them as well.
- Eye Exams: Even if you have perfect vision, regular eye exams can help catch serious issues like glaucoma, macular degeneration, and even early signs of diabetes—often before you notice any symptoms.
Above all, remember that there are no magic bullets to good health. Rather, it’s a combination of healthy habits, including good diet and exercise, that will help you with long-term resilience and vitality. The better you treat your body, the better it will treat you. And the better able you will be to face the curve balls that life can throw your way.
Whole body screening for continued peace of mind
A Prenuvo whole body MRI can offer ongoing insights into your internal health—without invasive procedures or unnecessary radiation.
It can be especially valuable for men with family histories of chronic illness, cancer, or unexplained symptoms, or simply to provide peace of mind about the current state of your whole body health. And it can be used alongside annual checkups to help build a more complete health profile. For many, it becomes a way to keep track of existing conditions or help catch new developments early, when treatment options are more effective and less intensive.
Prenuvo empowers everyone to take ownership of their health—so they can lead, live, and move with confidence at every stage of life.
To learn more about the benefits of a whole body MRI—and what makes Prenuvo different—book a call with a member of our care team.
