Men, Embrace the Journey to 100: Your Family Needs You More
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Chapter 1: The Importance of Longevity
In today's world, too many men pass away prematurely, leaving their loved ones to grieve the absence of their warmth, guidance, and support.
At the age of 80, I aspire to reach 100, driven by my desire to contribute meaningfully to my family and community. My wife, Carlin, will turn 86 in July, and together we have raised five children, celebrated the lives of seventeen grandchildren, and welcomed two great-grandchildren. The motivation to lead a long, healthy life stems from wanting to be present for them.
Tom Perls, MD, MPH, and Stacy Andersen, PhD, head The New England Centenarian Study (NECS), which has been investigating the lives of centenarians since 1995. Their findings reveal that many individuals not only live to be 100 but also thrive in good health. Dr. Perls emphasizes that these centenarians are not mere survivors but individuals who have navigated life with their health intact.
According to Dr. Perls, there has been a notable rise in centenarians in the U.S. since 1950, from approximately 2,300 to 89,739 in 2021, with 85% being women. I aspire to be part of the 15% of men who achieve this milestone. How about you?
Section 1.1: Understanding Men's Health Risks
Dr. Marianne J. Legato, a leading figure in Gender-Specific Medicine, addresses the stark realities men face in her book Why Men Die First: How to Lengthen Your Lifespan. She outlines several biological challenges that put men at a disadvantage, including:
- Males are less likely to survive prenatal development.
- At birth, they are behind females in developmental maturity.
- Men exhibit higher rates of developmental disabilities.
- They endure more severe consequences from common infections.
- Males face the onset of coronary artery disease significantly earlier than females, with twice the mortality rate.
Moreover, men often conceal their emotional struggles, leading to a misunderstanding about their health priorities.
An international study on wild mammals indicates that, similar to humans, females generally outlive males across various species. In humans, females enjoy an average lifespan that is 7.8% longer than males. Although men are making strides, there's ample room for improvement.
Section 1.2: The Potential for Change
While biological factors contribute to men's vulnerabilities, emerging research in epigenetics suggests that we have more control over our health than previously thought. Dr. Kenneth Pelletier, in Change Your Genes, Change Your Life, asserts that our genetic makeup does not rigidly dictate our health outcomes.
Chapter 2: Aging with Grace
Like many men, I didn’t give much thought to aging until my 50s, preoccupied with work, love, and family obligations. My journey inspired my books, including Male Menopause, which explores how men undergo changes similar to those women experience during menopause.
I discovered that the symptoms of aging are not exclusive to women but affect men as well. My research led me to acknowledge that these changes, occurring typically between the ages of 40 and 55, signal a transition rather than an end.
Being the Man Your Family Needs (Part 2)
Men can embrace this transition, which opens the door to a passionate and purposeful second half of life.
Section 2.1: Insights from Women
Maddy Dychtwald, a thought leader on longevity, suggests that women are at the forefront of a longevity revolution, often outliving men by an average of six years. Her book, Ageless Aging: A Woman's Guide to Increasing Healthspan, Brainspan, and Lifespan, offers invaluable insights.
Men might hesitate to explore a book targeted at women, but it contains practical advice relevant to all. The Mayo Clinic Press published it, emphasizing key topics such as:
- Maximizing your bonus years with purpose.
- Understanding the impact of hormones.
- Nutrition and supplement clarity.
- Boosting immunity and energy levels.
- Preventing cognitive decline.
- Enhancing sleep quality.
We can all benefit from gender-specific approaches to health and longevity.
Chapter 3: Challenges and Solutions for Men
Dr. Legato highlights the significant differences between men and women that affect health outcomes. As men approach their 50s, adopting healthier lifestyles becomes crucial for longevity. My own writings, including The Whole Man Program, emphasize that if men do not prioritize their health in their 40s and 50s, their chances of thriving in later years diminish significantly.
Women face unique challenges as well, often experiencing more years of poor health despite a longer lifespan.
Section 3.1: The Sardinia Exception
In 2004, Dan Buettner and a team identified five "blue zones" where people live significantly longer, with lower rates of chronic diseases. These regions include:
- Ikaria, Greece
- Okinawa, Japan
- Sardinia, Italy
- Nicoya, Costa Rica
- Loma Linda, California
Notably, Sardinia stands out, where the ratio of centenarians is close to equal between men and women. This study sheds light on the practices that promote healthy living into old age.
More To This: Acoustic Insights from the Stairwell
As we explore the journey of health and longevity, we can learn from the stories of those who have navigated similar paths.
In conclusion, midlife is the perfect time to aim for 100. I invite men to join me in this quest for longevity and vitality. Perhaps we can inspire a new publication: Ageless Aging: A Man's Guide to Increasing Healthspan, Brainspan, and Lifespan.
About Jed Diamond, Ph.D.
Jed Diamond, Ph.D., is the founder of MenAlive, a health program dedicated to helping men lead long and fulfilling lives. He has authored 17 books, including My Distant Dad: Healing the Family Father Wound, and serves on various advisory boards focused on men's health. His insights are shared across multiple platforms, making him a prominent voice in the conversation about men's wellness.