Men and women handle many things in life differently. The aging process and middle age is one of those differences. The genetic make-up of male and female can have an impact on what effects middle age has on each gender. Middle age can also be known as mid-life crisis, and both male and females may experience changes in their self that reflect on the way their routine of life is handled at this point.
Dementia in middle aged individuals is not uncommon. Health factors and memory loss can occur as we age due to the brain cells dying and not reproducing. Research had shown that this type of issue during middle age is more likely to affect “women at a higher rate than men” . Obesity is an issue in today’s society during middle age individuals. Obesity can have effects on dementia as well. The study that was done had found the obesity along with dementia was more prominent in women than men. .The reason women have a higher risk for obesity and dementia later in life is due to health issues, and lack of physical mobility with age. Women who are obese have a “higher risk of cancer, and depression” than obese men. The men who have obesity in middle age have double the chance of stroke and heart attack.
Men and women are both at risk for “cardiovascular health issues during middle age because of the lack or decrease of oxygen consumption that is present” . It is important for both genders to exercise and keep the blood flow and oxygen intake circulating in their bodies. The less exercise or physical movement each day the more likely the risk for heart attack and strokes can occur. “Middle aged men have a higher risk for high cholesterol than women” . The study shows that middle age women are less likely than middle aged men to have high cholesterol due to female estrogen protection. The estrogen levels in women is a protector that men do not have
Men and women both can go through changes in sex drive and have less hormones as they age into the middle age bracket. Men have less testosterone and women have less estrogen which can lead to menopause. Men also have what is called “andropause”. This is similar to women going through menopause but a male version of it. Along with middle age changes a man or women can have stress which can increase the decline in hormonal balance. Men who have less testoerone hormone as they get older may seem for calmer, and in touch with their emotions. “Women who have less estrogen and experience menopause can become more emotional and have intense feelings of depression” . The imbalance of hormones can cause both genders to feel out of sorts, and make life altering decisions about their lives that they may not normally do. Hormone decrease can have many effects in the middle age spectrum for both genders of life.
The effects of middle age in both men and women can be frustrating. Not only do people feel the aging process cannot be reversed on the outside but the aging process on the inside is also changing for the worse. Many changes in life due to middle aging can be depressing for both genders because these changes may not make since. The amount of energy that a person has is less than what they had in their twenties. Health issues are more dominant than when they were younger, and their thought process may be slower than what they would like. Just because all these changes can take effect with age does not mean people need to set back and take it lightly.
Men and women who are middle age can start to change how they react to life. They can start eating healthier to help balance out their hormones levels and intake of nutrients that may be decreasing in their body. People can go to doctor visits, and take vitamins to replenish their body’s vitamin needs. Exercise is a key factor in staying physically active, staying fit, and helping to decrease the health issue that could come with middle age.
Reference
Doheney, K. (2015). Mid Life Crisis: Depression Transition. Mental Health , 1-7.
Madsen, E. (2013). Middle Aged Men At Higher Risk . Medical Journal, 1-5.
Nicola, D. (2014). Hormones in men and women. Restor Medicine, 1-3.
Shurman, J. (2012). Middle Aged Obesity. Healthy Living, 1-3.
Slentz, C. (2014). The Effects of Oxygen Consumption in Middle Age. NCBI, 1-4.
Whitmer, R. (2008). Dementia In Women and Men. The American Institute, 1-2.
