Essential Health Checks for Older Men: Staying Well, Staying Independent

Why Focus on CALD Communities?

Older men from multicultural backgrounds are more likely to encounter language, cultural, and systemic barriers that prevent them from engaging in regular health checks. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, more than one-third of Australians aged 65 and over were born overseas, and many of them speak a language other than English at home.

Challenges they may face include:

• Limited access to culturally appropriate health services
  
• Language barriers affecting communication with healthcare providers
  
• Lack of awareness around preventative care or screening recommendations
  
• Stigma around discussing health issues, especially related to mental or sexual health
  
  

These barriers can lead to later diagnoses, poorer outcomes, and increased burden on families and carers.

Below are key health checks every older man should prioritise.

1. Diabetes Screening

Why it matters: Type 2 diabetes is more common in older adults, and often underdiagnosed until complications arise. According to Diabetes Australia, around 280 Australians develop diabetes every day, and the risk increases significantly after age 50.

What to do:

• Request regular blood glucose level tests from your GP
  
• Discuss HbA1c testing to monitor long-term glucose control
  
• Look for signs like increased thirst, frequent urination, and fatigue



2. Vision and Hearing Checks

Why it matters: Deteriorating vision or hearing can lead to falls, social withdrawal, and reduced quality of life. Around 93% of Australians aged 65+ have a long-term vision disorder, while over half of men aged 60–70 experience some level of hearing loss.

What to do:

• Book annual eye exams and hearing assessments
  
• Monitor changes in vision clarity, night driving, or conversations in noisy places
  
• Don’t assume sensory loss is just “part of getting older”



3. Bone Health and Osteoporosis Screening

Why it matters: Osteoporosis is often perceived as a women’s condition, but 1 in 4 Australian men over 50 will experience a low-trauma fracture due to bone thinning. Bone density decreases with age, and untreated osteoporosis increases the risk of serious falls.

What to do:

• Ask your GP for a bone density scan (DEXA) if you’re over 70 or have risk factors
  
• Check calcium and vitamin D levels
  
• Discuss fall prevention strategies
  
  

Through Support at Home, FOCUS Connect provides education and referrals that promote mobility and home safety.

4. Incontinence and Urological Health

Why it matters: Bladder and prostate issues become more common with age, yet many men suffer in silence due to embarrassment. Conditions like benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), urinary incontinence, or erectile dysfunction can significantly impact wellbeing—and may be signs of more serious conditions.

What to do:

• Speak to your GP about any urinary or sexual health changes
  
• Request prostate health assessments if aged 50+ (or 45+ with family history)
  
• Seek guidance if leaking, urgency, or night-time urination interferes with daily life
  
  

FOCUS Connect offers confidential support, referrals, and practical assistance for men seeking help with urological health.

How FOCUS Connect Supports Older Men

As a long-standing not-for-profit supporting CALD communities across South West Sydney and the Northern Sydney Suburbs, FOCUS Connect understands that good health starts with trust, access, and inclusion.

Through our Support at Home services, we help older men:

• Navigate the aged care system and health services
  
• Access bilingual care workers and health education
  
• Stay active, informed, and connected to community
  
• Attend regular screenings and preventative care appointments
  
  

Our culturally appropriate support ensures that no one is left behind due to language, stigma, or isolation.

Final Thoughts

Preventative health care is not just about detecting illness—it’s about preserving independence, wellbeing, and dignity. For older men, especially those from diverse backgrounds, regular health checks can change lives.