Non-smokers will increase their life expectancy by sticking to safe sex, driving carefully, exercising and watching their diet. But smokers need to give up before they can look forward to these benefits. Men who go in for a full medical MoT test will be given lots of x-rays, examinations and tests, but the only one that is really necessary at this age is a rectal examination. The other tests often show up many small abnormalities that have no significance. Health in the 50s Routine health checks become more significant for men in their 50s.
Men become more concerned about developing diseases.
They are increasingly set in their ways and less likely to die through violence, or have unprotected sex. Research is increasingly showing that the early diagnosis of problems is associated with a better outcome. Another test that becomes necessary after the age of 50 is a sigmoidoscopy. This involves examining the rectum for colon cancer by using a camera fitted on a flexible tube. It is now recommended that this test be repeated every five years.