Men and ageing - Part 2

Men, you again! This is Part 2 of the ins and outs of your physical maturation. Hope you read Part 1. It was published in this newspaper on April 7. The issue was male menopause, aka andropause. Remember we looked at menopause (women’s misery) in previous articles? Good.

Permit me to pause here to share this instructive piece with you: No matter how long it lives, the greatest lion will eventually die miserably. That’s the world. At their peak, they rule, chase other animals, catch, devour, gulp and leave their crumbs for hyenas. But age comes fast.

The old lion can’t hunt, can’t kill or defend itself. It roams and roars until it runs out of luck. It will be cornered by the hyenas and nibbled at and eaten alive by them. They won’t even let it die before it is dismembered.

Life is short. Power is ephemeral. Physical beauty is short-lived. I have seen it in lions. I have seen it in old people. Everyone who lives long enough will become weak and very vulnerable at some point.

Therefore, let us be humble. Help the sick, the weak, the vulnerable and, most importantly, never forget that we will leave the stage one day.

Now, back to the business at hand. Andropause is a condition that affects about one in 200 men, and is characterised by a drop in testosterone production. Symptoms of andropause are identifiable between ages 51 and 60 years. While the decline in testosterone production begins around the age of 30, andropause is typically associated with men age 50!

So, gentlemen, as we move up the (irreversible) age ladder, as young, sprightly, appealing and adorable as we may appear, some things begin to manifest themselves in mind and body. Don’t worry, you are in the company of the wisest, richest, brightest and most accomplished ageing men in the world!

PSYCHOLOGICAL EFFECTS

Andropause comes with various physical symptoms which often impact men’s overall well-being. Feelings of fatigue, lethargy, muscle loss and weakness become our new reality! Fight on!

Hard to swallow but, gentlemen, sexual dysfunction also comes with andropause. Don’t allow the resultant drop in self-esteem, confidence, and overall satisfaction with your sexual life to rob you of your God-given life. Enjoy it! Understanding and recognising the physical symptoms of andropause and seeking appropriate medical advice and support will augur well for you during this transitional phase.

And we cannot leave out the psychological effects on the persons and their loved ones. Mood swings are usually a biggie here. Mood may make sudden changes, ranging from irritability and anger to sadness and depression. You may also experience increased anxiety: be worried about your health, relationships, and work. This heightened anxiety can lead to feelings of restlessness, difficulty concentrating, and panic attacks

Managing mood swings and irritability during andropause can be challenging, but there are strategies that can help. Firstly, it is essential to maintain a healthy lifestyle by engaging in regular exercise, eating a balanced diet, and getting enough sleep. These lifestyle factors can positively influence mood and reduce irritability.

Wives, notwithstanding your own challenges, I plead with you to have a little mercy on your ageing lover, as you both age. Sometimes they grapple with sleep disturbances: want to sleep but can’t fall asleep, fall asleep but can’t stay asleep, etc. If these men are unusually miserable and easily irritated, please don’t exacerbate the problem by calling them Satan! That’s devilish! Oops!

Again, space has run out on us. Hope I have nudged you to help yourself.

A little brawta: The emotional effects of andropause can significantly impact a man’s work and productivity. Meditation, deep-breathing exercises, and engaging in hobbies or activities that bring joy and relaxation can be beneficial. With much spiritual nourishment and TLC, men can navigate these emotional effects and continue to perform at their best at home, work and play! We pray.

KINDLY HELP A NEIGHBOUR WITH ONE OF THE FOLLOWING

1. Stove

2. Refrigerator

3. Bed

4. Food

5. Medication

6. Financial assistance to start a little business.

To help, please call Silton Townsend @ 876 649-9636 or deposit in acct # 351 044 276 NCB. Alternatively, send donations to Hello Neighbour, C/o 53 Half-Way Tree Road, Kingston 10; Paypal/credit card: email: zicron22@yahoo.com. Contact email: helloneighbour@yahoo.com. Visit hellomineighbourja.blogspot.com. Townsend exclusively manages the collections and distributions mentioned in this column and is neither an employee nor agent of The Gleaner.