This Father's Day, skip the tie and give dad something that actually matters: time. A Forbes article by physician Jesse Pines offers 10 evidence-based healthy habits and screening tests that can add over a decade to a man's life, turning a holiday gift list into a longevity playbook.
The piece, published June 20, 2026, targets the common struggle of finding meaningful Father's Day presents. Pines argues that the most impactful gift is better health, backed by research showing certain lifestyle changes and preventive screenings dramatically lower mortality risk. The article positions itself as both a gift guide and a public-service announcement for men's preventive care.
Why now? Father's Day drives billions in consumer spending, yet many gifts end up unused. Pines frames his list as practical, actionable, and doctor-approved. The timing aligns with growing awareness of the male longevity gap—women outlive men by about five years globally—and rising interest in wearable health tech and personalized medicine.
Key recommendations include regular aerobic and resistance exercise, a Mediterranean-style diet, consistent sleep schedules, stress management through mindfulness or therapy, and annual checkups. Specifically, Pines calls out screenings for colorectal cancer (starting at age 45), high blood pressure, cholesterol, type 2 diabetes, and prostate cancer. He also suggests at-home genetic testing for hereditary risks and advanced cardiac imaging for those with family history. Each habit or test is linked to studies showing years of life gained—cumulatively over a decade, he estimates.
Dr. Pines, an emergency medicine specialist and health systems researcher, draws on both clinical data and patient anecdotes. He emphasizes that small, consistent changes beat radical overhauls. The list avoids fads, sticking to interventions endorsed by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force and major medical societies.
Analysis: The article reflects a broader cultural shift from reactive to proactive health. Men, statistically less likely to visit doctors, may respond better to a “gift” framing. It also highlights the growing market for direct-to-consumer health screenings and longevity supplements—though Pines sticks to evidence-based options. Critics might note the list excludes mental health beyond stress, but the focus on measurable longevity is clear and compelling.
Looking ahead, readers are encouraged to pick two or three changes to adopt this year. The article suggests pairing a new habit with a screening appointment—like scheduling a colonoscopy alongside starting a walking routine. As Father's Day approaches, expect more retailers to bundle health-related gifts, from fitness trackers to meal kits, amplifying the message that time is the ultimate present.
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10 Father’s Day Gifts For Dad’s Health And Longevity, From A Doctor
Give dad the gift of more time this Father's Day. 10 evidence-based healthy habits and screening tests that can add over a decade to a man's life.
Jesse Pines, Contributor
Forbes
3 min read
4/10
Key Takeaways
- Dr. Jesse Pines, an emergency medicine physician and Forbes contributor, compiled 10 evidence-based healthy habits and screenings that can extend a man's life by over a decade.
- Key lifestyle recommendations include 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise weekly, a Mediterranean diet, 7–8 hours of sleep per night, and stress-reduction practices like daily meditation.
- Essential screenings listed are colorectal cancer colonoscopy starting at age 45, blood pressure checks, fasting lipid panels, HbA1c for diabetes, and prostate-specific antigen tests for high-risk men.
- The article notes that men who consistently adhere to 4–5 of these habits have life expectancy gains comparable to adding a decade, citing longitudinal studies from the Harvard School of Public Health.
- Pines frames the list as Father's Day gifts that cost little or nothing—unlike typical consumer presents—and urges families to schedule appointments or start new routines together for better adherence.
Frequently Asked Questions
The best health gifts for Father's Day include evidence-based habits and screenings recommended by doctors, such as a fitness tracker for exercise monitoring, a Mediterranean-diet meal kit, a subscription to a meditation app, scheduling a colonoscopy, and home blood pressure monitors.
For longevity, men should get regular blood pressure checks, cholesterol panels, HbA1c for diabetes, colorectal cancer screening starting at age 45, and prostate-specific antigen tests if at high risk. These are core preventive screenings that catch early disease.
Research shows that combining 4–5 healthy habits—such as regular exercise, a balanced diet, adequate sleep, not smoking, and stress management—can extend life expectancy by up to 14 years compared to those who follow none. The cumulative effect of multiple small changes is powerful.
Dr. Jesse Pines recommends aerobic and strength exercise, a Mediterranean diet, 7–8 hours of sleep, daily stress reduction, avoiding tobacco, limiting alcohol, staying socially connected, and undergoing recommended health screenings.
Health-related gifts that encourage lasting habits often provide more value than traditional items. A doctor-approved list of health gifts can support a dad's longevity, making the gift meaningful and potentially life-changing.
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www.forbes.com
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