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What are the health risks for men over 40?
Last reviewed: 01.07.2025
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The leading causes of death among middle-aged and older men are heart disease, stroke, accidental injuries, cancer, respiratory diseases, diabetes, suicide, and Alzheimer's disease. To protect themselves from these diseases and reduce health risks, men need to get rid of some bad habits that can cause premature death.
Loneliness
Numerous studies confirm the fact that married men, especially those aged 50 to 70, are healthier, and have a lower mortality rate than widowers or divorcees. Unmarried men have a threefold increased risk of dying from cardiovascular disease. Why is this? Married men are less susceptible to depression and stress, as well as chronic diseases. However, this rule only applies to families where there is respect and good relations between spouses. Scandals and showdowns between spouses will only harm health.
Electronic addiction
Psychologists have long been debating whether excessive internet and gaming should be classified as an addiction or disorder. While scientists are sorting this out, one thing is clear: the more a person spends in front of a monitor, the less they move, spend time on a healthy lifestyle, and interact with nature and people. As is known, men are more susceptible to internet addiction than women.
Social isolation increases the risk of depression and dementia, while a sedentary lifestyle is linked to heart disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity and premature death.
[ Ultraviolet rays
According to the Skin Cancer Research Foundation, men over 40 are most susceptible to the negative effects of ultraviolet rays. Mortality from skin cancer among men is twice as high as among women. In six cases out of ten, the most dangerous form of cancer develops – melanoma. Unfortunately, very few representatives of the stronger half of humanity use sunscreen. And what is even sadder – malignant tumors are very rarely detected at an early stage. The reason for this is male carelessness and irregular visits to the doctor.
Poor nutrition
Young and middle-aged men often do not pay enough attention to their diet. Red meat, fatty foods, and fast food lead to excess weight gain and obesity, which leads to hypertension, high cholesterol, and related diseases. According to a report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, obesity was predominantly a female problem until 2000, but men are closing the gap every year.
Reckless driving
As a rule, men are more likely to become victims of road accidents. And men aged 50-60 are twice as likely to die in car accidents as women. Injuries (of any kind) are one of the leading causes of death among men aged 40-44. Speeding, sleep, and carelessness at intersections often lead to death while driving.