What threatens the health of men over 40?
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
The leading causes of death among middle-aged men and older are heart disease, stroke, accidental trauma, 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 more healthy, among them a lower mortality rate than among widowed or divorced. In unmarried men, the risk of dying from cardiovascular disease is three times higher. Why is this happening? Men who are married are less susceptible to depression and stress, as well as to chronic diseases. However, this rule applies only to families where respect and good relations between spouses. Scandals and disassembly of spouses will only cause harm to health.
Electronic Addiction
Psychologists have long argued over whether it is worth attributing an excessive hobby for the Internet and games to addiction and frustration. While scientists understand, one thing is clear: the more a person spends behind a monitor, the less he moves, takes time for a healthy lifestyle, communication with nature and people. As you know, men are subject to Internet addiction more women.
Social isolation increases the risk of depression and dementia, and a sedentary lifestyle is associated with heart disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity and premature death.
Ultra-violet rays
According to the Foundation for Skin Cancer Research, men older than 40 years are most susceptible to the negative effects of ultraviolet rays. The death rate from skin cancer among men is twice that of women. In six cases out of ten, the most dangerous form of cancer develops - melanoma. Unfortunately, very few representatives of the strong half of humanity use sunscreen. And what is even sadder - very rarely malignant tumors are found at an early stage. The reason for this is men's carelessness and irregular visits to the doctor.
Poor nutrition
Young men and middle-aged men often do not pay enough attention to their diets. Red meat, fatty foods and fast food lead to the accumulation of excess weight and obesity, which leads to hypertension, increased cholesterol and related diseases. According to a report by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, until 2000 obesity was predominantly a female problem, but every year, men reduce this difference.
Careless driving
As a rule, men are more often victims of road accidents. And men aged 50-60 years are twice as likely as women to die in car accidents. Injuries (of any kind) - one of the leading causes of death among men 40-44 years. Often, death leads behind the wheel speeding, sleep and carelessness at the crossroads.