Taking good care of your body and mind will help you enjoy life as you grow older. Key health issues for older men include: cardiovascular disease (such as heart disease and stroke), cancer and mental health problems.  

Sometimes these changes in mind, body and lifestyle can bring about feelings of loneliness, isolation and despair and can impact on mental health. It is important to keep up contact with family and friends - and meet new people.

Some people feel that men are expected to be tough, strong and stable. They believe that men aren’t allowed to be weak, unwell or insecure - these characteristics are not considered to be masculine. These stereotypes may hinder men from identifying health issues, mental health issues in particular, and from seeking help.

Rather than talk to someone about mental health concerns, many men will use alcohol and other drugs to mask their problems, often leading to other problems.

Men have the same reactions to everyday stress and are susceptible to many of the same illnesses as women. Generally women will seek help and the support of services for mental health problems, while men tend to bottle things up.

It’s important to talk to someone about how you’re feeling.

For more information on men’s health issues visit www.bbc.co.uk/health/mens_health/