Collectively, African-American men have the worst quality of life and shortest life spans of all racial and ethnic groups in the U.S. But that doesn’t mean we don’t have the power to change that narrative.
Black men can change this sad story of aging and death right now in their 20s, 30s, 40s, and beyond.
The best way, argues one expert, is to continually check in with our doctors to address and treat our conditions as we age.
“The key here is healthy living and healthy choices and the importance of taking responsibilities for ourselves,” said Dr. Jarrod Carrol, a geriatrician with Kaiser Permanente.
Black Men’s Health recently conducted a wide-ranging interview with Dr. Carrol, a Black man, double HBCU graduate, and geriatrician with Kaiser Permanente based in Los Angeles.
He touched on everything from how he became a doctor to what Black men should do if they are thrust into the role of primary caregiver for a parent.
Dr. Carrol also addressed another key component to aging healthily and optimally: addressing our past traumas right now, whether they be physical, sexual, or emotional in nature.
If you are a Black man interested in living optimally and changing the narrative around our health and longevity, then we encourage you to tap into this vital discussion.
“We can’t wait until we are 50. We can’t wait until we’re 60 to have these conversations because older is coming,” Dr. Carrol said. “We’re older each day. So, take care of yourself, check in. We’re here to help.”
Time Stamps:
1:51 – What was it like for Dr. Carrol when he found out where he would work as a doctor.
3:35 – What it was like growing up in Jacksonville, Florida.
6:14 – How family birth order impacted his experiences with grandparents, which eventually influenced his career.
9:26 – How his intellectual interests were shaped at Florida A&M University and what led to his decision to enroll at Howard University College of Medicine.
11:41 – Dr. Carrol on Black men changing the narrative around getting older.
13:36 – The state of Black aging in the U.S. in 2022.
16:33 – What he views as healthy living and healthy aging.
17:54 – Tips for Black men on aging healthfully and optimally.
19:40 – Dr. Carrol on the responsibility physicians have in connecting with Black men to provide care.
22:27 – Why Black men in their 20s, 30s, 40s and beyond need to start thinking about healthy aging now.
26:43 – Dr. Carrol on how the healthcare community is making strides toward reaching the African-American male population.
30:47 – Tips on caring for aging parents and loved ones.
35:30 – Why we must address past traumas and seek therapy.
36:58 – Dr. Carrol on what could happen if we don’t address our past traumas.
37:39 – The power of addressing past traumas and how it can help someone else.
38:33 – Dr. Carrol on why we need to help our family members with undiagnosed mental health disorders.
40:32 – His encouragement for us to check in with our doctors.
41:28 – Why we must be proactive with our health today.
