Father’s Day 2019: Healthy Gifts for the dad who Wants Nothing

June 13, 2019

• Fitness & Health
• Medicare

Are you one of the millions of people looking for gifts for the dad who wants “nothing?” Maybe this is the year that you can finally give him something other than a new tie. As dad ages, consider gifting him the education, care, and technology he needs to stay healthy.

Sometimes the best gift is not a physical object. Consider gifting your dad with:

• Helping him book his wellness visit
• Taking him on regular walks
• Bringing him healthy meals or taking him out to healthy lunches

Fitness Gifts for Dad

One of the easiest ways to get dad a gift that encourages him to practice healthy habits is by looking at the fitness industry. These gifts not only say, “I love you,” but also allow you to be proactive for his health:

• Fitbit
• Nice gym bag
• Bluetooth scale (this one works with his Fitbit!)
• High-quality water bottle
• Those running shoes he’s always wanted
• Home workout equipment
• A gym membership (if he qualifies for Medicare, you can get him a gym membership by helping him sign up for certain Medicare Advantage plans).

List of Male-Specific Diseases

The best gift you can give your aging father is education and readiness for what life may throw at him next. Even if dad is healthy now, help him learn about diseases that he may be susceptible to. Is he nearing or over age 65? Help him also learn about different insurance options that he may not have heard about yet!

These are some male-specific diseases and diseases that are more likely to affect aging men than women. Remind your dad to look for the signs.

• Cancer:
  • Male breast cancer
  • Testicular cancer
  • Melanoma
  • Leukemia
  • Lung cancer
  • Colon cancer
  • Pancreatic cancer
  • Kidney cancer
  • Oral cavity cancer
  • Bladder cancer
• Hemophilia
• HIV
• Cirrhosis
• Parkinson’s
• Hernias
• Aortic aneurysm
• ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease)

Top Older Men’s Health Risks

According to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), cancer is the 2nd leading cause of death for people over the age of 65. It’s extremely important for seniors and Medicare eligibles to remain proactive when it comes to their health. If cancer is caught early enough through screenings, it may be treatable. The most common cancers found in men are:

Prostate cancer

This type of cancer generally grows slowly and is initially found in the prostate gland where it may not cause extreme harm. However, prostate cancer can grow quickly and create bigger issues. If your dad is over 50 years old, African American, or if prostate cancer runs in your family, he has a higher risk of developing prostate cancer.

Colorectal cancer

Did you know colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the US? Colorectal cancer develops from abnormal growths called precancerous polyps. These growths can be removed before they turn cancerous, so it is vital to stay alert and proactive.

Medicare Coverage for Men

If your dad is eligible for Medicare, Medicare covers a digital rectal exam and a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test once a year. In addition to these tests, Medicare covers numerous colorectal screenings like the fecal occult blood test, flexible sigmoidoscopy, and colonoscopies. Screenings are extremely important. The CDC says that close to 1,000 colorectal cancer deaths could be prevented each year if even 70.5% of people attended regular screenings.

Are you interested in exploring Medicare insurance available for you? Our agents can explain your coverage options and help you find a plan that best fits your needs and budget. If you are interested in arranging a no-cost, no-obligation appointment with an agent, complete this form or give us a call today at 844-431-1832.

*Originally published on August 16, 2018, and updated on June 13, 2019.