As so many men are affected by one or more of these conditions, they require discussion. In this chapter I shall discuss the adjustment to middle age, obesity, and high blood pressure. Coronary heart disease, which is common and disabling, is discussed in the next chapter.
In a society which emphasizes achievement, particularly financial success, and which worships the work ethic, middle age signifies a time when most men have reached their peak in terms of promotion and decision-making. To the man who has dreamt of high achievement, the reality of his lower status may be a cause of anxiety. He has not achieved what he hoped he would, and his remaining working years stretch dully, routinely, towards retirement, which itself holds no real attraction.
Traditionally, in most cultures, middle age brought a man respect. He was perceived by others as having wider experience, more skills, and greater wisdom than younger men. He was consulted by others, and was relieved of many routine duties. As his strength decreased, his position and influence in society increased. He kept his self-esteem. Today, the brilliance of youth is stressed and increasing age is discounted – you become an ‘oldie’ by 30 and a ‘wrinkly’ by 50. Advertisements on television and in magazines equate youth with success in sex and work; middle age is equated with declining powers. It is seen as a period when a man needs medicaments, when his teeth are false, and when he should be arranging affairs for his nearing death. In middle age, he is not even given the tentative respect that youth gives to old age.
*315/16/1*
Related Posts:
Tags: Erectile Dysfunction, Men’s Health