45 or older only please...

[Phenix]

Okay guys, this post is directed specifically toward guys who are middle aged (oh it hurts to use that term&#33. I'm a single 44 year old turning 45 in several weeks and I've begun to notice my body and phsyiology changing and it disturbs me a bit.

First of all, I've got hair in places I didn't used to, like my ears, and my nose hairs seem courser and need trimming more frequently. Since my 40th birthday I've gradually been getting thicker. Not necessarily fat, but thick. Are you with me? However, I do weigh roughly 20# more than I did five years ago. This has been tough for me since it doesn't seem so long ago I was in my 30s and buff, trim, etc.

In addition, I was very sexual and had sex or masturbated almost daily. Now my sex drive has diminished (I'm just not the horn dog I once was) and I masturbate infrequently. Moreover, I've noticed that I don't shoot as far as I once did and don't seem to ejaculate as much cum as I used to.

Finally, I could be mistaken but it seems like my balls and dick are shrinking. I mean not noticeably to anyone else, but to me especially when I'm erect I just don't seem to be as big as I once was and my scrotum seems much fleshier than ever before. My balls are surrounded by this loose skin sometimes not the firm nut sac of my youth. I like to wear steel cock rigns from time to time and my favorite one, which is rather thick and heavy won't stay up anymore when I'm flaccid. I never had this problem before.

I'm having a hard time with all this. Could you guys comment on how you're dealing with aging and if you, too, are beginning to notice subtle changes here and there. Would appreciate your comments. Ditto from guys who are past middle age and can look back on the experience in hindsight. I want to be graceful about it, but could use some coaching.

I keep a picture of myself on the fridge door taken on my 30th birthday. Guys, I just don't look like that anymore. Thems the facts. Peace,

Phenix

 

[Phenix]

OH yeah, one more thing. How serious are all of you about getting regular physicals with PSA test and prostate exam. Aren't I kind of getting to the age where it's important to take preventive measures? Please advise.

Phenix

 

[blackwood]

Originally posted by Phenix@May 4 2005, 09:48 AM
OH yeah, one more thing. How serious are all of you about getting regular physicals with PSA test and prostate exam. Aren't I kind of getting to the age where it's important to take preventive measures? Please advise.

Phenix

[post=307801]Quoted post[/post]​

Phenix,,,

#1 Complete Physical Examination, For baseline if no other reason.

You are describing our aging process.

Absolutely DO NOT give in to the "this and thats".

Exercise, eat well based on the results of the P>E> and Physician recommendation.

I was doing very well at you age, BUT I smoked uo to 4 oacks a day, or a oipe continously and had a very streeful position. At 47 I had my first MI, and the again and again, but ain't given up yet, I'm 64 in a couple of weeks.

When you look in the mirror, "see YOU" NOT your aging. (I think I said that right)

Enjoy...Any questions? Holler.


blackwood.

 

[Onslow]

Take the picture off the refrigerator door! It ends up becoming depressing if you keep looking back at what used to be, you can't go back there so let it go.

Health concerns--Get a physical (full) every year, been getting PSA regularly and prostate exams since somewhere in my 40's. You are also moving into an age where those colon exams should be considered (speak to your doctor they can explain it all). Keep in mind you're at an age where years of living can start effecting your BP, your heart and other organs.

As for sexual concerns, it may be physiological or pshychological depending on the stress levels within your life. This would cause you to be less interested in sex and/or masturbation. Take a look at your life to see if relationship or work issues or even neighbor issues are giving you any anxiety, then find ways to soothe your mind. If it is due to physical concerns then tend to them medically as needed. Loose the weight it might help on the sex matters, but it will also help add some time to your life and make getting around easier.

Can't say I really gave my body changes much thought back then(44 to 45) mainly because I was drunk most of the time.
Not particularly bothered by the aging process, never have been, I have always figured I have today and I got the body I got. The times it starts eating at me I find a way to refocus my energy onto something more positive and get back into living. Screwy as it may sound this was even the case when I was drinking everyday. (that's right I was the town drunk who didn't do it for any other reason than not knowing how to stop.)

If you drink or smoke consider how those might hinder your sex drive and physical appearance (smoke can and does age).

The main thing is you're young enough to tend to your body before parts start falling off or going into shut down mode so do what you can, while you can. It will be worth it if not for the sake of this board then for your own peace of mind, and peace of mind will give you a better blood circulation which in turn will ease other health woes--not cure them, just ease them.


Are you with me on this? Good! Call your doctor today and set up an appointment for a full physical examination (including ekg, chest x-ray, urine analysis, blood work).

 

[Sabln7]

Everyone has given you good advice. I recommend the PSA yearly and an annual physical. I avoided a physical last year. I had pains in my left arm that I attributed to arthritis. I skipped my physical, and had a minor heart attack in November. I could have avoided it had I had the physical.

I am now on aspirin therapy, one a day, and my blood remains thinner and my risk of another heart attack is less likely. You might want to ask your doctor when you should start aspirin. It is a good thing to avoid cardiovascular problems. Of course, eating right and excercising are the most important things to do.

 

[malito]

Glad to have you among us.
The first thing I would recommend is look closely at your family history, you are the result of it. How have the men aged? How was their health?
I totally agree with physicals and prostate exams. They are very important. Beware of the results, and if your PSA comes out high, get another opinion before doing anything invasive. A biopsy hurts and causes undue bleeding and discomfort for several days to weeks.
Exercize is more important now than ever before.
I feel, no scientific testing, that as our lower abdomen loosens and sinks it covers the part of our penis that attaches to the pelvis. This makes the penis look shorter.
It frustrated me so much that at the age of 50 I started pe (penile enlargment) via jelqing and stretching. It gave me added strength and vitality, and a little extra too.
Your diet is real important too. Our digestion is different and we retain weight easier. Remember the most fattening thing you can put in your mouth is your fork. You have to watch what you eat, when you eat, and how often.

 

[DC_DEEP]

Damn, it still amazes me the amount of good advice given by these fine LPSG members! The one comment about the changes in hair growth could possibly be due to an increase in DHT or Dihydrotestosterone production, and the diminished sex drive due to decreased testosterone production. Neither of these is a serious thing, but a simple blood test could tell. The DHT is also a major contributor in male pattern baldness. I have certainly noticed that the hair on my scalp seems to be moving south, sprouting now (annoyingly) from my ears and nose, and leaving the top of my poor head subject to sunburn.

Take care of your health, and enjoy life. Don't let the accumulating birthdays get you down - your only other alternative doesn't sound like much fun. For now, I prefer to get older and deal with it, than to die young and leave a prettier corpse... Hang in there!

 

[ceg1526]

Phe:

Just remember, aging isn't for wimps. However, I'm not going to hold onto my youth kicking and screaming; I plan on aging gracefully (just like Jack Palance). Oh, and you forgot to mention getting hairier back and shoulders, as well as your hair going white.

I've thickened up too. Is your 20# muscle or fat? I hope it's muscle. Get to the gym, do some weight training, do some cardio. It does a heart good. On sex, I've slowed down too - I don't shoot as far or as much as I once did (I could have floated a boat back in college). Now I'm just a middle aged horn dog who has sex or jacks off at least once a day. Use it or loose it.

I'm not sure your dick and balls are shrinking - you may have added to the fat pad at the base of your cock making it appear shorter. I think the loose scrotum may be the effects of gravity (check with your regional gravity supplier for details).

Put the 30th birthday picture in an album or in a picture frame on the piano. Either that, or hunt out the ones from when you were 10, 20, and 40 and make a montage. And leave space for the other 6 shots. You don't look like them anymore, but you can see how you've improved. Look at yourself in the eyes each morning and smile - it's your best decoration.

Take care

Ceg

 

[Phenix]

You guys have no idea how you cheered me up today when I logged in to this thread and found six responses! I was really nervous even bringing up the subject of aging for fear of being dismissed as being inordinately vain or told to "get over yourself!" All your responses were full of a lot of wisdom, good advice and genuine concern. Thank you. I felt surrounded by a band of brothers or my DAd or a group of close, old friends. Leave it to the members of LPSG to take matters in hand (no pun intended) and affirm a fellow male with no judgment. That's what I love about this group.

All suggestions were great. I especially like the affirmation that I'm still young enough to prevent a lot of stuff by taking specifc actions. Cardio, Weights, Diet, lose 20 lbs., get regular physicals, put the 30 year old picture away, look at ME in the mirror not my age, etc. I'll ponder all this stuff and take it to heart.

In September 1999, at age 39, I fell 12 feet from a ladder and shattered my left heel. Following two reconstructive surgeries, it took me a year to recover and I still have chronic pain. Up till this accident, I'd been a gym rat for many years, was at least 20 lbs. less than I am now, had an insatiable sex drive and tried to eat as well as I could. The accident spelled the end of my gym days and for a long time I was able to coast on what I'd built up physically for all those years, despite being a smoker. Not heavy, but a smoker nonetheless.

As the years have gone by, everything slipped away. I've become a heavier smoker, my muscle tone is gone, I'm overweight by 20#s, and my diet is negligable. In fact (I'm embarassed to share this), I recently took a RealAge test online and the results indicated that physiologically I'm 58! Now this might be pushing it, but I know I could be much more faithful to taking care of myself. And what I needed was a nudge from all of you, to believe that it's not too late to effect change and reverse the progression I'm on now.

I'm going to work with a trainer for awhile till I'm up and running again, perhaps avail myself of a nutritionist, dust off the $3,000 Stair Master in my garage, and attempt very hard to quit smoking in the not too distant future. Have any of you been smokers and quit? How did you do it? Or are any of you guys still smoking and in the boat I'm in?

I suffer from ruthless insomnia and usually have a scrip for something to help. I've been out since Xmas, but am seeing a doctor tomorrow who will hopefully give me another scrip. I'm also seeing a GP next week for a complete physical with blood work, and prostate exam and chest X ray. I'm dreading it, but it must be done.

I believe based on your observations, that my dick will return to its normal size once I lose the excess weight. Moreover, I'm going to consciously attempt to eliminate the things that cause me unnecessary stress in hopes of getting a more active libido back. I want to be like our brother above who masturbates every day (right on). That's more like the old horn dog self I was.

Have any of you heard of Serogen? It's a natural pollen harvested in Sweden that's supposed to increase your production of semen. I take it faithfully, but I have sex/jerk off so seldom these days that I don't know if it's working! LOL.

My role models are the great rock musicians of the 70s & 80s. A lot of these people are still out there performing and touring and releasing new music and are now in their late 50's! And they haven't all had cosmetic surgery, etc. They look the way they look and that's just the way it is. Right on.

Thanks again mi amigos. Peace and Light,

Phenix

 

[taven]

I quit smoking after going a whole day without a cigarette. I decided then to just quit. The dozens of other times I tried it hadn't worked (nicotene repalcements and tapering etc.) I don't know why it worked that time, but it did and I'v been off them for 37 years. If you're still having trouble with that heel, you might try swimming. My knees and hips pretty much preclude running. I'm still looking for grace in aging, but seem to be settling for trying to not be obnoxious so far.

 

[Bananaman]

Phenix--

I don't remember who told me this, but somebody once advised me that there are only two ways to grow old. You can either go kicking and screaming the whole way, or you can revel in it. I choose to revel in it. That doesn't mean, however, that you let yourself go to hell. Reveling in it means being able to enjoy yourself as you get older, and that means taking care of yourself. Read the advise above, because it's all excellent.

I'm the same age as you (45 in a few days), so believe me, I know exactly where you're coming from. I, too, let myself get seriously out of shape at one point, but I have to admit that in my case it was due to laziness and not an injury. Then, at the age of 40, my wife talked me into getting a physical. Never being one to do things half way, I told the doctor to put me through the whole thing, as though I was applying to be an astronaut or something. I'm glad I did, because I had no idea just how far out of shape I was.

Now, I'm not going to tell you how to go about getting your youthful physical condition back because it's an individual thing. We all have different factors to consider, like your heel, so absolutely work with a good trainer, and yes, a nutritionist, and with your doctor. Along with that, don't get discouraged if your progress seems to be slow, especially at first. We're not kids anymore, and the older we get the longer it takes to lose fat and build muscle. Consider this: It took me two years to get back to where I wanted to be.

I don't mean to scare you off with the time factor. The benefits of all that work are well worth the effort. I sure as hell don't look like a teenager any more, and I know I'm never going to, but I feel as good as I ever have. I have as much energy as I did when I was in my 20's, I can lift more than a lot of the young guys I work with, I can turn in a respectable time in a sprint, and best of all my sex drive is like an 18 year old's. Thank goodness I married a very horny lady! Oh, by the way, your dick isn't any shorter than it ever was. When you lose the fat and get your cardiovascular system back in shape, you'll see that everything returns to normal.

Well, that's about enough out of me for one post, but here's a little quote that I've always loved, just for fun. Wish I knew who came up with it.

"Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, cigar in one hand, a glass of whiskey in the other, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming "WOOO HOOO what a ride!!!""

Yeah baby! But not until I'm about a hundred years old!

B-man

 

[Phenix]

Last December around the 15th, I fell/rolled out of bed and dislocated my right shoulder and fractured my arm. No kidding! The problem is I didn't realize what I"d done until about 4 weeks later. I went to emergency care right away, was referred to an orthopedic surgeon and 3 days later was having replacement surgery. This was in mid January. The operation was gnarly cause he wasn't able to pop the shoulder back in since it had started to subluxate. So he had to cut through all the tendons, etc. It's been a long recovery and I'm still in physical therapy. Long story short, I think my swimming days might be over, unless I can still manage a decent breast stroke, but crawl, butterfly, backstroke are finito. First my heel and now this! Oh well, we all have our crosses to bear, right?

I read something recenlty that jumped out at me. It stated something to the effect that "being young is beautiful, but being older is comfortable". I can really relate to that. Even though I've probably let myself get a little too comfortable, in pulling out of it and getting back in balance, I still won't be the obsessed little narcissist I was in earlier decades. It's just too much work and my priorities have shifted. That, I think, is one of the blessings of not being 25 or even 35 anymore. It just doesn't matter. Edith Wharton, the early 20th century American novelist once said, "Surrender the things of youth gracefully". Amen to that.

On another note, after 5 years of semi retirement, I've decided to go back to work part time to start leading to full (hopefully). However, I'm making a career change and one of my choices will involve going back to school for a year. It's funny, I've enjoyed 2 separate careers thus far separated from each other by graduate school and now I'm going to try something new. I've reinvented myself enough that the prospect of starting as a rookie in a profession doesn't scare me. If I play my cards right, I've got a good 25-30 years left to work, right? That is, if God deigns it so. But God helps those who help themselves and as you've all squarely pointed out, it's up to me to make the choices for Health and Well being. Am enjoying reading all your perspectives. Peace,

Phenix

Phenix

 

[willie]

It's a very, very tedious thing, but you just have to stay as fit as you were when you were 30 (I'm now 52) and it gets harder every year. I get more convinced that sexual prowess is more to do with fitness, than age.

So it's an hour at the gym every week day, eat so that you don't put on weight, drink moderately and don't smoke. It's hard work, but you have to make the choice.
(However I am sitting here with a beer)

Luck also plays a part, in that you don't want to have any major problems that prevent you from exercising.

 

[Prodman]

Right there with you Phenix - all that hair in places that shouldn't have hair! You guys have insprired me to get back to working out. We tend to just let life go on and not do anything about it. Nice to know I'm not the only one.

 

[Pappy]

Phenix, you really have to want to quit to quit. I smoked for 28 years, got as high a 5 packs a day and was down to about 2 packs a day when I quit. Granted I did have open heart surgery, but none the less, I did quit cold turkey. It CAN be done but you have to want it badly enough.

 

[Prodman]

Right there with you Phenix - all that hair in places that shouldn't have hair! You guys have insprired me to get back to working out. We tend to just let life go on and not do anything about it. Nice to know I'm not the only one.

 

[Freddie53]

I just read about this yesterday and forgot where I read it. But in answer to the original post on here about aging, this article talked about what men need to eat. The number one thing on the list was oysters. Men need zinc for testotorome production. Other foods mentioned were salmon, lean not fat red meat in moderation, and chicken and turkey. I forget some of the other things they said to eat.

But the article said that too many carbohydrates mess up the estrogen and testoromome balance in men. We men need 45 % of our food being protein and thirty percent fat.

Also I read that lack of exercise does effect the penis. The circulatory system of the penis is what gives the hardness of an erection. If we men allow the blood supply in our penises to become blocked then it will affect our sexual performance.

The way to improve circulatory performance is overall body excercise, not just having sex or maturbation. It includes more than that.

To the original poster. You have had three things really affect you. Two injuries that affected your lifestyle of excercise. And then retirement at 40. Men generally don't do well in retirement unless they find something new to put their interests in. We men don't make good sit at home and do nothing people. It huts our health more than it does women. That is pretty well accepted as true.

 

[jonb]

Yeah, well, you should get enough Zn unless you're an athlete. You can find it in seafood, lean meat, milk and nuts. Be careful, though, Zn generally comes with Cu, and a megadose of Cu is dangerous.

 

[B_UNKNOWN321]

Originally posted by blackwood+May 4 2005, 06:15 AM--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(blackwood &#064; May 4 2005, 06:15 AM)</div><div class='quotemain'><!--QuoteBegin-Phenix@May 4 2005, 09:48 AM
OH yeah, one more thing. How serious are all of you about getting regular physicals with PSA test and prostate exam. Aren&#39;t I kind of getting to the age where it&#39;s important to take preventive measures? Please advise.

Phenix

[post=307801]Quoted post[/post]​

Phenix,,,

#1 Complete Physical Examination, For baseline if no other reason.

You are describing our aging process.

Absolutely DO NOT give in to the "this and thats".

Exercise, eat well based on the results of the P>E> and Physician recommendation.



I was doing very well at you age, BUT I smoked uo to 4 oacks a day, or a oipe continously and had a very streeful position. At 47 I had my first MI, and the again and again, but ain&#39;t given up yet, I&#39;m 64 in a couple of weeks.

When you look in the mirror, "see YOU" NOT your aging. (I think I said that right)

Enjoy...Any questions? Holler.


blackwood.

[post=307809]Quoted post[/post]​

[/b][/quote]


Do exactly what this guy says. It has been shown over and over that muscle tone at any advanced age can be exactly the same as that of 35 year old if you do muscle strengthening exercises vigorously and frequently. I have seen this picture of a 71 year old man who had pecs, abs and legs of an absolute sex god then saw one of him at 68, looked like shit. He exercised with weights very vigorously and actually got the body he never had. That&#39;s what I am doing and I am 15 years older than you and now have a very sexy physique (not as sexy as I want, but getting there). The sex thing is unfortunate, but can benefit from exercises as well (kegels and other sexually specific exercises can help also) and nutritional supplements. Size will look smaller as you get fatter around middle, so get rid of that gut. I also besides the weight lifting and aerobics go to yoga class twice a week and God help us has that made a difference in way I feel and stand and bend and walk..... Flexibility will diminish very quickly after 40 and when flexibility goes, you begin to look like a tired old bag of saggy bones and yoga will help you regain the flexibility and muscle tone you had when very young. My classmates and I will very soon graduate to doing complete backbends, do you hear me, backbends. Take control of your life and get that total body and its sexual parts back in tiptop shape.

 

[Phenix]

I have some great small scissors and wand type shaver that help me get rid of usightly nose hair and anything growing around my ears. My haircutter always trims my eyebrows when I see him every four weeks. So there are ways of keeping on top of it. Fortunately, I&#39;ve haven&#39;t gotten any hair on my back (yet?).

Kudos to you guys who quit smoking. So far, I&#39;ve dropped my brand to a lower one and will do this once more. Then when it&#39;s time to give them up, I&#39;ll use Nicorette. I watched my Dad die of lung cancer due to smoking and I&#39;ve promised myself that I&#39;m not going that way.

Am getting that physical we&#39;ve all been talking about on Tuesday this week. I&#39;m not thrilled about going into all the ways that I mistreat my body and I really don&#39;t like a rectal exam, especially from a new physician. But what can you do? Ya gotta get checked out&#33; And at the end of this week, I&#39;m going for an eye exam because yours truly needs bifocals&#33; Geez.

Thanks to the brother who said it&#39;s incumbent to stay in the shape you were in when you were thirty. I&#39;ll take those words to heart when I start with my trainer and Pilates.

Phenix