5 Worth-It Reasons to Embrace Being Over 50

/in /by

At 16, you could earn your driver’s license, and at 18, you could graduate high school.

When you turned 21, you could upgrade from a virgin strawberry daiquiri to a sophisticated whiskey on the rocks—although you probably went for the cheap beer instead.

Other than going over the hill, it may seem there are few age-related milestones left in life. But, after years of helping men and women age with vitality, we’ve learned that’s not the case.

There are several reasons you could embrace 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, and all the years in between. Here are just a few we love the most.

1. You have mental strength and control of emotions

As you mature, you have a clearer understanding of what’s important or not important in life. You find confidence, happiness, and motivation from within yourself instead of those around you. Mental strength gives you freedom from social pressure and the ability to act without caring what others may think. From control of emotions to self-worth, mental strength takes time and dedication, two things you’ve refined over the years.

2. You’re more passionate and focused at work

Whether you worked since you were 15 or 22, you’ve shown what you’re capable of doing. You’ve taken risks, proved naysayers wrong, and made your mark in your industry. You know your strengths and weaknesses, and you no longer set boundaries or sell yourself short. This mindset increases your job satisfaction and decreases stress at home and in the office (trust me, we’re all jealous of this).

3. Your sex life is adventurous

As testosterone or estrogen levels drop, you may experience a lower sex drive. But that doesn’t mean your sex life isn’t up to snuff. One survey showed men and women reported sex was better after 60 than it was in their 40s. Because you have mental strength, your inhibitions lower, and you have more confidence to explore new sexual experiences or refine the ones you’ve always loved. So, go crazy, and shake it up a bit!

4. Your sleep cycle is peaceful and consistent

A recent study found people in their 80s had the fewest complaints about sleep disturbances and daytime fatigue. While there is still debate on why this is the case, many say it could be related to retirement and less exposure to technology. Whatever the reason, you’ve got your sleep down to a science and experience more rest than younger generations.

5. You learn new things from unexpected people

Did you know National Grandparents Day is September 11th? While your grandchildren are celebrating you, you could also celebrate them. You may think you’ve learned it all at this point, but our world is rapidly changing (especially when it comes to technology). And to fill in the gaps, we could look to our grandchildren to teach us how to navigate this new version of our lives.

Contrary to old beliefs, our brain continues to grow neurons as we age, which means as long as you exercise your mind, you can learn a new hobby, grow your vocabulary, or figure out how to annoy your grandkids on Snapchat.

We may not be able to control all the physical changes to our body, but we could embrace getting older and value the benefits that come along with it. If you’re ready to get some zest back in your life, so you can fully appreciate aging, give us a call.

What is Andropause? Know the Facts and What to Do About It

/in /by

If you’re a male over 40, you’re probably aware that your body is changing.

Wrinkles are forming around your eyes and on your forehead—all those years of glaring at your rebellious teenagers are taking their toll.

But, of course, you know wrinkles aren’t the only change you’re experiencing.

Maybe your belly is a little bigger, or you have a lower sex drive in bed. These symptoms could be a sign that you’re experiencing male menopause or andropause.

Andropause is androgen deficiency or lower levels of sex hormones in men. As you age, your testosterone levels in your body and the production of sperm gradually become lower, and the levels of another hormone called sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) increases.

SHBG binds with some of the available testosterone in the blood and the testosterone that isn’t bound are available for use by your body. As a result of low testosterone and lower availability, you may experience physical and psychological symptoms.

This decrease in testosterone is a natural aging process, and it’s estimated that testosterone levels drop about 10 percent every decade after the age of 30. But not all men experience the same levels of reduction as others.

Your father who’s 80 years old can have a testosterone level of 600 g/dl, while your son, who’s 30 years old, can have a level of 150 g/dl. There is also no clear-cut sign of andropause like there’s the cessation of menstruation for women.

To add more variables to the mix, many of the symptoms associated with andropause are simply a normal part of aging and may not be reversible with treatment.

So, what do you do?

If you’re experiencing andropause, it can be treated safely and effectively. Your doctor should ask questions about how you’re feeling, your current lifestyle, and perform a blood test to check testosterone levels.

For those who qualify for treatment, you’ll be given a hormone replacement therapy plan and lifestyle plan to start getting your vitality, libido, and strong brute back.

Here’s some information about the symptoms of andropause and what you can do about it.

Symptoms of Andropause

Are you experiencing any of the symptoms below? If so, you may have andropause. Always consult with a doctor to determine the cause of your symptoms.

  • increased body fat
  • gynecomastia, or development of breasts
  • lowered self-confidence
  • depression or sadness
  • reduced muscle mass and feelings of physical weakness
  • decreased bone density
  • insomnia or difficulty sleeping
  • infertility
  • reduced libido
  • erectile dysfunction
  • low energy
  • decreased motivation
  • difficulty concentrating

    • Treatment of Andropause

    Doctors treat andropause by replacing the testosterone in the blood. But, as mentioned above, you’ll also need to make adjustments to your overall lifestyle to ensure the best results.

    We’ve discussed numerous times here on our blog about the two types of hormone replacement therapy (it’s that important). One is a synthetic replacement, and the other is a bioidentical replacement. You can learn more about both here.

    But, the bottom line is bioidentical hormone replacement replaces missing sex hormones with formulations that are identical to the ones in your body. They increase your energy levels and libido and decrease your body fat and physical weakness.

    For the best results, you need a customized plan that addresses your individual needs. If you think you’re experiencing symptoms of andropause, you can schedule a free 15-minute consultation, and we’ll show you what your customized plan might be.