We recently conducted a survey on men's health, soliciting input from clients, friends, their friends and colleagues. If you participated, thank you!
Most of the participants were in their 40s and 50s, predominantly Chinese and caucasian ethnicity, residing all over the world. And a common link, through The Whole Health Practice to Singapore, our home base. While the survey was limited to a short list of questions only we discovered that many of the findings were common to the participants (not surprising) and that some deeper insights became clearly visible.
As we review the findings below, what resonates with you?
Here are the key trends...
Physical Fitness Focus. No surprises here. Gents - those that are engaged with their health - prioritise strength training and cardio. Some are also engaging in more functional training regimens, with an eye towards mobility rather than simply strength.
Dietary Habits. In general eating patterns are skewed towards eating out and convenience food. Fibre - from whole foods - is missing from nearly everyone's diets. Especially worrying as colon cancer is Singapore's #1 killer of men. Focusing on enjoying more whole foods does not have to be at the expense of the foods that you already enjoy, a matter of better balance. Read here to see what specific foods impact longevity.
Sleep and Stress Management. Men cope with stress often through avoidance or distraction e.g. work, hobbies or alcohol. Insufficient sleep, less than 7 hours per night, affects 4 out of 10. In turn this affects eating patterns, cognitive health and energy levels. Fix sleep and a host of benefits occur. Fostering active stress management techniques such as mindfulness (gents, this is not woo) or breath work is useful.
Mental Health Stigma. Men often face societal pressure to suppress emotions, which can lead to mental health issues like depression and anxiety. Encouraging emotional openness, having friends to talk to matters. While most participants did well with emotional (and social) health, about 1 in 5 did not.
Social Health. Work-life balance is good for some, not so for others. This varied widely amongst those surveyed. Despite this mixed result, participants generally have positive social lives and relationships.
Lastly, a common factor that unites many participants is finding the time to be healthy. While work-life balance is not recognised as one of the foundations of health (also known as a pillar of health) sooner or later with many of our clients we work on this very issue.
Words and Influencers that that Resonate
Encouragingly the terms longevity (our 2023 Word of the Year) and healthspan are becoming increasingly recognised within this group. Why?
Increased awareness, with popular health and longevity influencers such as Drs. Peter Attia, Michael Greger, Andrew Huberman and Bryan Johnson in the media spotlight.
Exercise focused scientists such as Drs. Layne Norton and Rhonda Patrick or ultra-athlete Rich Roll are also popular.
Given the age of our participants, many see their own parents aging - the long-term effects of chronic illness and a decline in health.
Read more on health Movers and Shakers and related topics here.
A Cause for Concern
While the above items are likely recognisable to most, below are two underlying factors affecting many men
Motivation
Many of us are aware of the risks to our health, that perhaps we have at least one chronic illness, but are simply unmotivated to take action. Others know that we are in good health now but perhaps are not prepared for the future.
The reasons for this lack of motivation to action are complex and varied. Not only, for example "I don't have time" but ranging to a deeper sense, say, of loss of identity, anxiety, a deeper feeling of dysfunction. Read more on motivation here.
Disconnect
A worrying finding is that there is a much larger disconnect between how healthy we think we are compared to healthy we actually are.
About 80% of participants stated they are physically fit, but their level of exercise is well below the recommended amounts, either for strength and cardio. Currently fit enough to get around town, to play with the kids, but not fit enough for long-term health and physical independence.
Similarly for diet and sleep. Participants feel that they are eating well but the evidence shows that they are not eating healthily. Not to maintain health in the long-term and to avoid chronic illness. Sleep is also compromised, not only adding to the burden of personal ill health but in turn affecting motivation...
In Conclusion
What has resonated with you? Do you recognise yourself or your friends, colleagues and loved ones in the findings above?
Many factors prevent men from leading a healthy lifestyle, but men face unique challenges. Stereotypes about masculinity and health can influence where they focus their efforts, often limiting their choices for improvement. Yet, there are many opportunities within reach for those willing to take action.
Take 5 minutes to think about your health. What do you want from it. What will happen if you take action? What will happen if you do not?
It is important to understand that taking self-care is not selfish. We have to accept that, for many of us, we need to take action, sooner rather than later. Not for the 'sake' of being healthy and seeming to do the right things but to maintain our strength, independence and be able to live life to the fullest. And action does not have to be complicated, there is real value in small simple steps being taken consistently.
Gents, if you want support to find your motivation and to take action steps that fit into the demands of your lifestyle, we are here to help.
Just reach out anytime.
Alastair
Achieve your Health Goals
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