Wellbeing > Age Specific Information > Male > 50 - 65 years old

Male 50 - 65 years old

This page provides general information about health and wellness for men ages 50 to 65 years old, however individual experiences may vary.

In this period of life our metabolism continues to slow down. There is often a further decrease in physical activity and exercise, as our joints start to play up and our energy levels decrease. Yet all too often we will continue to eat and drink like we did during our thirties. This imbalance of intake and output can lead to weight gain. For most men this weight will be evident around the waist and stomach. This is called visceral fat, and is very dangerous to the body. Excess visceral fat results in greater risk of heart attacks, type 2 diabetes, strokes and decreased life expectancy. The risk of heart attack and stroke are at their highest for men during our 50’s, so achieving or maintaining a healthy weight is crucial during this time.  

During this period of our lives we might start to notice signs of joint degeneration. Carrying extra weight increases the load on joints during this period of our lives, resulting in greater damage to joints, and the worsening of osteoarthritis. 

We can prevent weight gain during this time by limiting our intake of alcohol and sugary processed foods, and by engaging in regular physical activity.

During our 50’s and 60’s, we should engage in regular moderate impact and resistance exercise. This will help to maintain our bone density, limit joint damage, maintain muscle strength and prevent weight gain. We should avoid high impact exercise as this can cause aggravation to our joints. 

For ideas or further advice speak to your doctor or physiotherapist.

As we age, changes occur in the chemistry of the brain, and less of the chemicals that help us feel happy are released. We may notice that we feel more grumpy, short tempered and depressed – or those around us may notice it!  The physical changes which we are going through create additional challenges for our mental wellbeing – we have more aches and pains, we might not feel as strong or as fast as we used to.  

It is important at this age to maintain or find new interests, particularly those that involve socialising, physical activity, and challenge for our brains. 

If you have questions or concerns about your mental or emotional health, speak to your doctor.

The years from 50-65 are typically the ones in which retirement planning becomes a significant priority. Retirement is more commonly a financially driven choice than a health driven one. Nevertheless, it is important to consider the physical nature of the work we do at this age and stage. If we are having frequent, recurring, work-related injuries and are performing a physically demanding job, this may be a good time to start looking for less physical alternatives; such as retraining in a managerial role, or stepping into a training or supervisory capacity.