It’s a scientific fact. Men really do age differently than women and aging for guys can be a totally different experience than it is for gals. Physical differences like hormones and body type play a part but attitude also has an important role. Here are five reasons why men seem to age more gracefully than women–and five tips to help up you stay ahead in the aging game.
Upbringing Counts
How we are raised has a huge impact on how we age. According to the World Health Organization,[1] factors like poverty and lack of access to education or health care can determine how long or how well a person lives. Unfortunately, these circ*mstances impact women more than men. In addition, aging is also highly influenced by our personal habits, such as smoking or drinking too much alcohol.
Tip: Take more control of aging by eating healthy food and leading a wellness lifestyle. Smoking plays havoc on skin and eating too much sugar and processed food is shown to have a negative impact on your health.
His Hormone Advantage
For women, menopause–when the ovaries stop producing estrogen–usually happens around age 50. This change can be sudden and symptoms like hot flashes, fatigue and vagin*l dryness can be challenging. Men’s testosterone levels start falling gradually after age 30 but the symptoms are more gradual and men can father children when they are old.
Tip: Menopause is no reason to give up on life. You’ll look and feel better if you eat healthy food, avoid weight gain and exercise regularly.
Sex Matters
In this selfie-obsessed, celebrity-driven age, it’s easy to forget that aging isn’t just about how we look. It’s also about enjoying life and that includes (ahem) sex. An article on WebMD[2] points out that men have stronger sex drives than woman while a woman’s sexual desire is sensitive to “…environment and context.” The conclusion: If you need to be in the perfect setting before you have sex, you’ll probably have less of it. And that can make you seem older and less interested in your relationship than your male partner.
Tip: Instead of worrying if your partner could be attracted to someone younger, lighten up and go for it (sex, that is!). The kind of lingerie you wear is far less important than being open to more spontaneous sex–and honest about what makes it magic for you.
It Pays to be Thick Skinned
Life can be unfair. Women have more pressure to look young but a man’s skin is less susceptible to the signs of aging. The handy hormone testosterone makes male skin approximately 25 percent thicker and there is more collagen density.[3] Furthermore, a guy’s skin ages more gradually.
Tip: Level the skin playing field by always using a good sunscreen and investing in professional skin care.
Just Born That Way
Men and women gain weight differently and men have more muscle due to the testosterone hormone. In addition, women are by nature curvier but it’s important that curves don’t turn into excess fat.
Tip: Lift weights and build shapely muscle. If you’re concerned about pumping up too much, work with an experienced fitness expert to find the best combo for you.
[1] World Health Organization, “Gender, equality and human rights,” March 2018.
[2] WebMD, Sex Drive: How Do Men and Women Compare?” Richard Sine, Web Archives
[3] Huffington Post, “5 Ways Men And Women Age Differently, Yagana Shah, December 2017
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I'm an enthusiast in the field of aging and wellness, with a demonstrable understanding of the physiological and psychological aspects of the aging process. My knowledge is rooted in scientific facts and a deep exploration of various studies and research on the subject. Now, let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the article and provide further insights:
1. Upbringing Counts:
The World Health Organization emphasizes the impact of upbringing on aging. Factors like poverty, lack of education, and limited access to healthcare can influence how well a person ages. Unfortunately, these circ*mstances tend to affect women more than men. The article suggests that personal habits, such as smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, also contribute to the aging process.
Tip: Taking control of aging involves adopting a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and overall wellness practices. Quitting smoking and reducing the intake of sugar and processed foods are crucial steps to mitigate the negative impact on health.
2. His Hormone Advantage:
Men and women experience hormonal changes as they age. For women, menopause typically occurs around age 50, leading to sudden changes and challenging symptoms. In contrast, men's testosterone levels decline more gradually after age 30. The article advises that maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise, can help women cope with the effects of menopause.
Tip: Embracing a healthy diet, avoiding excessive weight gain, and staying physically active can contribute to better well-being during and after menopause.
3. Sex Matters:
The article highlights the importance of sex in the aging process, emphasizing that men generally have stronger sex drives. It suggests that a woman's sexual desire is influenced by environment and context. Encouraging a more open and spontaneous approach to sex is recommended to maintain a youthful outlook.
Tip: Instead of fixating on external factors, individuals should focus on enjoying a fulfilling sex life by being open and honest about their desires.
4. It Pays to be Thick Skinned:
The disparity in skin aging between men and women is discussed, attributing it to the thickness and collagen density of male skin, influenced by the hormone testosterone. To counteract this, the article suggests the use of sunscreen and investing in professional skincare.
Tip: To mitigate the effects of aging on the skin, both men and women are advised to consistently use sunscreen and consider professional skincare options.
5. Just Born That Way:
Men and women gain weight differently due to hormonal variations. Men tend to have more muscle mass because of testosterone, while women are naturally curvier. The article advises incorporating weightlifting to build shapely muscle without the fear of excessive bulk.
Tip: Engaging in weightlifting, with guidance from a fitness expert, can help both men and women maintain a healthy balance of muscle and body composition.
By integrating these tips, individuals can potentially age more gracefully and enhance their overall well-being, as suggested by the insights provided in the article.
