11 myths about life after 40 years, in which it is time to stop believing

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

What these years will be like depends largely on you.

1. All major frontiers are left behind

Perhaps your children have already grown up or you have achieved success in your career. However, this does not mean that there will be nothing memorable ahead, and only grandchildren are left to wait.

You can still try yourself in a different field of activity, start your own business, start a new hobby, or even a new relationship. And of course, you can travel more, do art or volunteer work. Your life is in your hands, set yourself new goals and reach new frontiers.

2. You have reached a career peak, and you will no longer be hired for a new job

You have what all hiring professionals dream of: a lot of experience, so don't write yourself off. In addition, the knowledge accumulated by this time (and possibly money) will be useful if you want to start your own business.

3. You will start to get fat, and there is nothing you can do about it

Metabolism does slow down with age, but this is not a death sentence. If you watch your diet and be active, you can stay in good physical shape for a long time.

4. You will have to dress according to your age

There is no logical explanation as to why after 40 you should give up bright clothes, ripped jeans or open swimwear. Wear whatever is comfortable for you, regardless of age.

5. Sexual life is a thing of the past

Many are accustomed to thinking that older people should not, do not want or cannot have sex, but libido does not disappear at all with the onset of their forties. And although some physiological changes are inevitable, they will not in themselves become insurmountable obstacles to sex life.

And a weakened erection, reduced natural lubrication, or less intense orgasms does not mean that you are no longer interested in a partner or in sex in general. For many couples, these changes are an incentive to look for new ways to make love. Moreover, according to research, many are even more satisfied with their sex life after 40, especially women.

6. Your hair will turn gray

Yes, after 40, the body produces less melanin, which is also responsible for hair color. But each person is unique and the fortieth anniversary is not some magical milestone, after which you will immediately turn gray. This process is influenced by genetics, health status and other factors. And according to research by L'Oréal, 10% of people over 60 do not have gray hair.

7. Your hearing will deteriorate

It's too early to worry about that. For most people, hearing problems begin around 65 when the internal structure of the ear changes.

8. You will start talking to yourself and become forgetful

Chances are, you've been talking to yourself for a long time. It is not at all a sign of aging (and not a symptom of a mental disorder). This is a natural process of internal dialogue. “Speaking makes us slow down and process our thoughts differently because the language centers in the brain are involved,” explains clinical psychologist Jessica Nicolosi.

When we talk to ourselves, we think more slowly, so it is easier for us to deal with our feelings and make a decision. And as for forgetfulness, no fundamental changes take place at the age of 40. The brain is capable of producing new cells at any age. You just have to train your memory and learn new things.

9. Have to come to terms with laughter incontinence

Contrary to popular belief, this is not at all a necessary companion of age-related changes. This is actually a sign of stress urinary incontinence - a problem that can be treated.

10. You inevitably expect vaginal dryness or erectile dysfunction

The first is due to a decrease in the level of estrogen in the female body, which is really related to age. But this does not mean that vaginal dryness is an inevitable phenomenon for everyone after 40.

According to the British medical organization Women’s Health Concern, only a quarter of women aged 50-59 have this problem, and among 18-50-year-olds - only 17%. Special moisturizers, lubricants and regular sex life will help to cope with discomfort.

According to research, one in four men who see a doctor with erectile dysfunction are under 40 years old. So age alone is not a direct cause of this problem.

11. You will definitely start to decrease in height

It is really normal to become 1–2 centimeters lower. Over the years, the intervertebral discs become thinner, muscle mass begins to be lost, and the gaps between the joints narrow. But a significant loss of growth signals osteoporosis. This condition decreases bone density and increases the risk of fractures.

“The best way to avoid fractures is to try to prevent bone loss,” says rheumatologist Abby Abelson. Diet and lifestyle are two main risk factors that you can control to help protect against osteoporosis. To do this, eat foods high in calcium throughout your life and exercise regularly. Walking, jogging, aerobic exercise, and strength exercise will help strengthen your bones.