From mental wellbeing and fitness to longevity and libido, men’s health has never mattered more. Our health editor Helen Foster explores the changes that men can make now

Men – and those who love them – attention, please! Too many people with a Y chromosome are still taking a head-in-the-sand approach to their health, with serious consequences. So serious, in fact, that the government has unveiled a 10-year plan to improve men’s health.

So what’s behind the alarm? For a start, healthy life expectancy for men is on the decline, with many beginning to experience poor health from their early 60s. Even more stark is that, in 2024, 36% of men in the UK died before their 75th birthday. The statistics are sobering, but not inevitable. And with Men’s Health Week (15-21 June in 2026) putting the spotlight on men’s wellbeing, there’s no better time to act. By making proactive health and lifestyle choices, and thanks to rapid advances in health technology, there’s a real opportunity to change the story. Turn over for four key areas men should focus on now.

1. Men's mental health

Building a reliable support network to turn to when times are tough is one of the most effective ways to protect your mental wellbeing. This might be a partner or close friend, but it’s also worth looking beyond your immediate circle. Group activities, such as sports teams and community projects, or meeting places such as Men’s Sheds, can offer valuable opportunities to connect. ‘These can create conditions where conversations gradually deepen over time,’ says Anthony Davis, a BACP accredited therapist. ‘Having even just one or two people you can check in with honestly can make a significant difference to mental wellbeing.’

It’s also important to recognise when things may be getting too much. Rather than waiting for a crisis point, paying attention to early warning signs can make it easier to seek support sooner. ‘Consider three things,’ says Anthony. ‘Duration, intensity and impact – if negative feelings have lasted several weeks without improvement, if they are overwhelming or they are affecting your sleep, work, relationships, motivation or physical health, you might want to seek more professional advice.’

2. Fitness and strength for men

First up, no-one is expecting anyone to train for a marathon! Men just need to move in ways that keep them healthy, functional and strong. ‘After 40, men can’t train like someone in their 20s or 30s, so stop chasing the heaviest weights or trying to train like an Olympian,’ says Sean Murphy, global chief personal training officer at Ultimate Performance. ‘Instead, find a workout routine that fits into everyday life while still delivering results for fitness, strength and overall health.’

For most men this means strength training two to three times a week. ‘Four sessions are fine if you are also recovering well,’ says Sean. On top of that, aim for two or three cardio sessions, such as brisk walking, rowing or cycling.

3. Men's physical health and longevity

Stop being afraid! Free NHS health checks (available every five years to those aged 40-74 in England) and screening initiatives – such as the bowel screening test and the NHS lung cancer screening programme – are essentially early-warning systems for many conditions. Yet men are far less likely to sign up for these than women. ‘They worry the doctor is going to find something,’ says Dr Oliver Rabie, a GP specialising in lifestyle medicine. ‘But that’s the purpose of health checks. We want to work on prevention, and checking blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels allows treatment while there is still time to prevent serious damage.’

Even if something serious is found, effective treatments are often available. For example, 76% of cancer cases detected through lung screening are identified at an early stage, when the disease can be completely curable. That’s why it’s important to seek help promptly if you notice any unusual symptoms.

Lifestyle choices also play a significant role in many life-limiting conditions. Focus on controlling weight, quitting smoking and keeping alcohol intake at sensible levels. 

4. Prostate problems

‘As men age, the prostate can increase in volume by 2-2.5% per year, and as the prostate gets larger it can squash the urethra (the ‘water pipe’ that comes from the bladder),’ explains Dr Balraj Dhesi, a consultant radiologist and specialist in prostate screening at Heath Lodge Clinic in Solihull. This can lead to more frequent urination, night-time trips to the bathroom, and an urgent need to go quickly. These symptoms can be disruptive, interfering with sleep, work and everyday routines.

Erectile dysfunction is another common issue affecting this area. ‘The causes can be multifactorial, including age, hormone balance, and stress,’ says Balraj.

While the changes above commonly occur with age, ‘Don’t just assume that’s the case,’ says Balraj. ‘Yes, changes are usually caused by benign conditions such as an enlarged prostate, which can be controlled with medication or other treatments, but they can also be a sign of more serious problems, such as prostate cancer. If this is the case, though, survival rates are almost 100% if it’s found early.’ Erectile disfunction can also be a sign of high cholesterol and should always be checked out.