Analysis of the Truth Behind Male Midlife Crisis and the Illusion of Aging

Male menopause is a relatively new concept used to describe a period around a man's 40s or 50s when his self-esteem and self-actualization are shaken. The term is actually somewhat misleading, as it describes bodily changes similar to those experienced by women at the end of menstruation. Men do not experience such changes. Male hormones, specifically testosterone, begin to decline gradually around age 20, but the decline is subtle. A better term for this transitional period is "male midlife crisis," where past successes seem meaningless, and confusion and despair shatter the promises of youth. Dr. Lauren describes some symptoms: insomnia, excessive drinking or drug use, job dissatisfaction, family and marital discord, difficulty with sex, and fear of illness or death. Dr. Herb Goldberg views this crisis more universally: it is the shattering noise of a man's life under the influence of dull, impersonal conditions and years of repression. A male midlife crisis doesn't necessarily occur in middle age. It can begin slowly or appear suddenly-losing a tennis match to one's son, missing a promotion opportunity, or experiencing erectile dysfunction. Some men don't experience a midlife crisis at all. This is particularly common among healthy, emotionally stable men who are not afraid of aging. Most Americans view aging particularly unwisely. The dominant misconception is that aging means physical and mental decline. However, there are no immutable rules stating that you cannot remain productive and healthy in your seventies and beyond. Misconception: Many people believe that aging is an inevitable consequence of getting older. In reality, only 5–10% of people over 65 suffer mental impairment due to progeria. Many older adults, on the contrary, suffer from over 100 different illnesses that resemble mental disorders. Most of these illnesses are reversible-including medication side effects, depression, hypothyroidism, alcoholism, and malnutrition. Misconception: When you reach a certain age-65 is often a fantastical number-you automatically “get old.” However, some people in their thirties and forties are physically older than others. Their biological age is related to lifestyle, health, and possibly genetic predisposition. Misconception: The typical older person is unproductive, stubborn, and irritable. Studies have failed to provide evidence of age-related personality changes. Personality is formed in early adulthood and remains stable throughout life. As for hypochondria, a person who excessively exaggerates the illness in old age may be the same person who has suffered from the illness throughout their life. Illusion: Older adults lose sexual interest. Sexual activity does not necessarily decline with age, although many medications can harm the sexual behavior of older adults. The biggest obstacle for older adults is the perception of "lust" for younger people as "sexual desire" for older adults. Seventy-year-old men who maintain a sex life also maintain or increase their sex hormone levels. Illusion: Older adults lose reasoning and memory abilities. Reasoning abilities typically only decline after age 70 or 80. These changes include a decrease in the ability to learn new things and make quick judgments, neither of which is a loss of ability. Stereotyped intelligence depends on education and experience. While memory tends to decline with age, this is not true for everyone. Illusion: Old age means an inevitable decline in physical health. Nine out of ten older adults consider their health to be excellent or good. About 20% of older adults typically live in private care facilities due to cognitive decline. The rest live in the community. Myth: Retirement is devastating to physical and mental health. Studies show that the average retiree is no more at risk of health problems than those still employed. Myth: People do nothing about the negative aspects of aging. However, those who enjoy a healthy life throughout their lives will also make their future vibrant. The real enemy is not disease, but the fear of disease and decline. When you believe that the best part of your life is buried in middle age, the person you unfortunately are predicting is your future self.