Some men tend to get grumpier and grumpier as the years pass, but staying on top of the causes can help them be more accepting of them. It can also help friends and family be more understanding! So, here are 18 key reasons men get grumpier as they age.
Declining Testosterone Levels
Men can be grumpier as they age for biological reasons. Healthline details how, as people age, their testosterone levels decrease and this can have a significant impact on their moods and energy levels. Symptoms of lower testosterone can include irritability, decreased libido, and fatigue, so it’s important for men to communicate with doctors.
Health Conditions and Medication Side Effects
Another biological reason for men becoming grumpier as they age could be to do with their physical health and the medication they take. Various health issues, such as diabetes, heart disease, and sleep apnea, can contribute to mood changes, and men will take medicine for these, which can have side effects.
Cognitive Changes with Aging
As people age, they begin to slow down physically. Their cognitive functions will decrease, such as their memory, attention, and speed of processing, and this can lead to frustration and increased irritability in men. Doctors recommend taking part in mental exercises and other activities that stimulate the brain to help this.
Societal and Emotional Challenges
A traditional view of men over the years is that they need to remain stoic as they age, and when they struggle to do this, it can cause them to internalize stress and exacerbate grumpiness. Further emotional challenges, such as the loss of loved ones, can really add to this.
Changes in Physical Appearance and Capabilities
As men age, they’re going to look different. They might gain weight while losing muscle mass, and this can have seriously negative effects on their self-esteem and their mood. It’s recommended that men maintain a healthy diet and regular exercise to slow down this process and keep them looking young.
Shifts in Social Roles and Loneliness
For men, retirement and the loss of daily social interactions at work can lead to feelings of uselessness and isolation. If they’re not speaking with people as much as they used to, then there’s a chance that they could become more grumpy, so it’s important to communicate frequently with retired loved ones.
Fear of Mortality
The National Institute for Health explains that elderly people are actually less afraid of death on average than we might think, but are still afraid of the dying process. Regardless, it’s a lot to take in for men, especially as their peers begin to pass away, and this can lead to existential dread.
Financial Insecurity
These days, fewer and fewer men are able to get their lives to a point of financial security when they retire, such is the poor economic situation around the world. Not knowing if they can retire comfortably can cause an immense amount of stress for men.
Physical Health Decline
As well as internal health conditions, men are likely to encounter more painful bodily health ailments later in life. These can include arthritis, chronic pain, and other problems, which will, of course, leave men feeling frustrated and irritated. Regular medical check-ups are encouraged for this reason.
Unmet Expectations and Regrets
Later in life, men do tend to get more introspective, and they’ll look back on their lives to try to work out whether they’ve met all their goals and expectations. If they’re dissatisfied based on this thought process, they’re likely to encounter feelings of disappointment and regret.
Adaptation to Technology and Modern Life
Whether or not men are able to keep up with technological advances can really have an impact on their mood. If they’re not able to use the gadgets presented to them, it can make them feel out of touch and frustrated. Feelings of incompetence and isolation are not uncommon in older men because of this.
Decreased Sexual Function
The reason for men losing their libido later in life, according to the National Council on Aging, is due to low testosterone for the most part. As men head into their 60s and 70s, they may not be so interested in sexual intercourse, which can have negative effects on their self-esteem and emotional well-being.
Dependency on Others
Losing independence is another key reason for men to become more grumpy as they age. Having to rely more heavily on others as they age is likely to be highly frustrating, which is why promoting autonomy and using support aids with them is highly encouraged.
Dietary and Lifestyle Changes
Metabolic changes mean that older men can’t indulge in food and drink as they once did without consequences, which can be frustrating. It’s not going to be so easy for men to sustain a healthy weight if they eat like they used to, and they may not be able to digest as easily.
Sensory Impairments
A couple of key factors that men experience as they age are hearing loss and visual decline. This can make communicating and other daily activities a challenge, which will further any feelings of isolation and cause men to be more grumpy.
Psychological Disorders
Different studies say different things on this matter, but there is a case to be made for disorders such as depression and anxiety to be more prevalent in older men. So, of course, they’re going to be more grumpy with these problems. Seeking mental health treatment and counseling can help manage these symptoms.
Substance Abuse
The National Institute on Drug Abuse tells us that alcohol and drug misuse are quite prevalent in older people. Many old men will turn to this as a coping mechanism for various age-related changes and this will, of course, alter their mood and behavior.
Increased Nostalgia and Comparison with the Past
Older men may increasingly reminisce about “the good old days,” and this comparison to the here and now is likely to end up leading to dissatisfaction with life in general. Living in the past will overshadow any current experiences, causing men to become more grumpy.
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