ABSTRACT

This chapter addresses increasing rates of multimorbidity among aging men with multilevel, multisectoral health interventions and holistic, interdisciplinary care. Interventions should consider the strengths and vulnerabilities men bring into later life. The chapter discusses how older medically underserved men may face additional challenges in managing chronic diseases, particularly conditions such as diabetes and heart disease that require significant lifestyle changes related to diet, exercise, and medication adherence. It highlights specific populations of older men, such as sexual and gender minority men; African American, Latino, and Asian men; and older men in under resourced geographic contexts to highlight the wide variance in experiences and challenges. The chapter also discusses marginalized older men’s experiences with healthcare in relation to health outcomes. It explores another stigmatizing experience in older men’s attempts to engage the healthcare system—seeking help for mental health. Rich social networks and positive social support can be important protective factors that support healthy aging among men.