Strange Things That Happen to Men as We Get Older
Aging is an inevitable journey everyone must embark upon, but the road can be paved with some surprising changes, especially for men. While women often have their unique set of age-related quirks discussed openly, the transformations in the male body remain less explored. Whether you’re a man noticing these alterations firsthand or someone observing them in loved ones, understanding these developments can provide both clarity and a dash of humor.
Shrinking Stature
Ever wonder why Grandpa seems shorter than you remember? As men age, it’s common for them to lose some height. The discs between our vertebrae can dry out and become thinner, leading to a shorter stature. And weakened muscles and bones can contribute to a bit of a stoop.
Ear and Nose Growth
Oddly enough, as men get older, their ears and noses might appear larger. This isn’t because they’re growing but rather because the soft cartilage in these areas keeps expanding over time. Meanwhile, gravity pulls at them, making them seem even more prominent.
Hair Everywhere… Except the Head
That thick mane from youth might thin out or disappear altogether on the scalp, but hair decides to make its presence known in other areas like the ears, nose, and eyebrows. Sometimes, these hairs can grow quite long, catching many men by surprise.
Voice Deepens
Remember those voice cracks during the teenage years? As men age, their voices might change again. The voice box (or larynx) undergoes transformations, leading to a deeper, more gravelly voice. It’s just one of the many unexpected vocal shifts that can happen.
Reduced Night Vision
Night drives can become more challenging as we get older. The eye’s lens can harden and become less clear, making it tougher to see in low light. This can be a particular concern for older men who drive frequently in the evening.
Shifting Waistline
That youthful metabolism slows down, and suddenly, it’s easier to gain weight around the midsection. This “middle-age spread” isn’t just about eating habits; hormonal changes play a role too. It’s an odd shift, especially for those who were always skinny.
Decreased Muscle Mass
Even if you’re hitting the gym, it might become harder to maintain muscle tone. Men start to lose muscle mass as they age. This natural process is called sarcopenia, and it can make daily activities a tad more challenging.
Skin Changes
Remember the smooth skin of youth? With age, men might notice their skin becoming drier and more wrinkled. Sun spots and age spots might also appear. Proper skincare and sun protection become even more crucial.
Sleep Patterns Alter
Gone are the days when you could sleep until noon. Older men often find themselves waking up earlier or waking up frequently during the night. This change in sleep patterns can be due to various reasons, including hormonal changes or prostate issues.
Reduced Sense of Taste and Smell
That favorite dish might not taste as vibrant as before. As men age, they often experience a reduction in their sense of taste and smell. While it’s a subtle change, it can affect the enjoyment of food and detect certain odors.
Memory Hiccups
It’s not just about forgetting where the keys are. Many men notice subtle memory changes as they age. This doesn’t necessarily indicate severe problems like dementia, but it’s an odd feeling when a familiar name or detail slips the mind.
In understanding these changes, men can better embrace and navigate the journey of aging, recognizing that while the body might have a few more quirks, the wisdom and experiences gained over the years are invaluable.
Josh Dudick
Josh is the owner and lead writer at Daily Wisely. His career has taken him from finance to blogging, and now shares his insights with readers of Daily Wisely.
Josh's work and authoritative advice have appeared in major publications like Nasdaq, Forbes, The Sun, Yahoo! Finance, CBS News, Fortune, The Street, MSN Money, and Go Banking Rates. Josh has over 15 years of experience on Wall Street, and currently shares his financial expertise in investing, wealth management, markets, taxes, real estate, and personal finance on his other website, Top Dollar Investor.
Josh graduated from Cornell University with a degree from the Dyson School of Applied Economics & Management at the SC Johnson College of Business.