I am a man over 40 and we have a missing voice in the wellness industry. Let’s talk about this.
Walk into most health stores, scroll through ads, or flip through magazines. You’ll see endless products and programs for women, young athletes, and fitness influencers. But where are the options for men in their forties, fifties, or sixties?
This is the midlife health gap. Men at this stage face real challenges—weight gain, fatigue, lower testosterone, and stress—but the wellness industry rarely speaks to them.
A friend of mine in his 50s put it bluntly: “When I looked for help, everything was made for 20-year-olds flexing on Instagram. Nothing seemed built for a guy like me with kids, bills, and a slower metabolism.”
The Science of Midlife Changes
Starting around 30, men lose 1–2% of testosterone each year. By 50, that decline adds up. Lower testosterone means less energy, slower recovery, and shrinking muscle mass.
The CDC reports that 74% of American men are overweight. Extra weight doesn’t just affect the waistline. It negatively impacts nearly every area of a man’s life.
Sleep also suffers. Research from the National Sleep Foundation shows that men in midlife average less than 6.5 hours of sleep a night, far below the recommended 7–9. Poor sleep further lowers testosterone and increases stress hormones.
These shifts leave men frustrated, but most wellness products ignore them.
The Cultural Blind Spot
It’s not only biology. Culture also plays a role.
Men are less likely than women to seek help. The Cleveland Clinic found that only 40% of men get annual check-ups. Many wait until problems are severe before going to a doctor.
One father of three admitted: “I didn’t see a doctor for ten years. By the time I went, my blood pressure was through the roof. If I had been more proactive, I could have avoided a lot of trouble.”
Society often expects men to “tough it out.” That silence creates risk. When the wellness market also ignores them, men are left with little support.
Why the Gap Matters
This gap isn’t just unfair, it’s costly. Men over 40 are at higher risk for health problems, workplace burnout, and relationship breakdowns linked to stress and fatigue.
Meanwhile, studies also show loneliness and isolation rise sharply for men after 40, further harming both mental and physical health.
When men don’t have support, families, workplaces, and communities all feel the impact.
How to Close the Gap
Bridging the midlife health gap starts with simple, consistent actions for men that rebuild physical, mental, and emotional strength. Small daily habits, not extreme programs, make the biggest difference. Men don’t need a complete lifestyle overhaul overnight; they need clear, practical steps that fit around work, family, and real life.
Make a Health Checks Routine
Skipping the doctor is common, but it’s a serious mistake many men make without realizing the risk. Annual exams aren’t just for detecting illness; they’re a way to stay in control of long-term health. Blood pressure, cholesterol, and hormone levels should be checked regularly, as changes often develop quietly before symptoms appear.
By tracking these markers, men can spot warning signs early and take preventive steps rather than reacting when it’s too late. Regular visits also open conversations about sleep, stress, and nutrition areas that directly affect overall well-being. Preventive care doesn’t just extend life; it improves the quality of those years.
I say annual. But let’s be real here. I also don’t go annually. But if I aim to do it annually at least I then finally do it every second year which is much better than never. Do the same.
Focus on Strength Training
Physical strength is a major foundation for overall health, and it becomes even more important after 40. Without training, men lose between 3–5% of muscle mass each decade after 30, leading to slower metabolism, reduced endurance, and greater injury risk. Strength training done two or three times a week helps preserve lean muscle, support joint stability, and maintain bone density. This doesn’t require heavy gym sessions or expensive memberships.
Even basic bodyweight exercises like push-ups, pull-ups, and planks can deliver results when done consistently. Lifting weights or resistance bands can further boost testosterone levels and improve confidence, giving men the energy to take on each day with vitality. By the way squats are the most useful exercise for everyday strength and health giving you the most bang for your buck.
Improve Daily Nutrition
Nutrition plays a critical role in how men feel and function through midlife. Quick, processed meals may seem convenient, but they often leave the body drained and sluggish. Prioritising whole foods, especially lean proteins, fresh vegetables, and adequate hydration, provides steady energy throughout the day. A balanced breakfast rich in protein, such as eggs or Greek yogurt, can set the tone for better focus and mood.
Prioritise Sleep
Sleep is one of the most underrated tools for health recovery. Yet many men treat it as optional, often sacrificing rest for work, screens, or late-night habits. Studies show that men who sleep less than seven hours a night experience higher stress levels, lower testosterone, and poorer concentration.
Setting a consistent bedtime, avoiding caffeine in the afternoon, and turning off electronic devices at least an hour before sleep can make a noticeable difference. Creating a calm nighttime environment signals the body to unwind naturally. Better sleep leads to better energy, mood, and performance, and it’s one of the simplest ways to reclaim vitality in midlife.
Build Social Connection
Staying connected is just as vital as eating right or staying active. Men who maintain strong relationships live longer, happier lives, and that’s not opinion; it’s proven by decades of research. The Harvard Study of Adult Development found that close relationships are the single strongest predictor of long-term health and happiness. Social connection helps reduce loneliness, lower blood pressure, and combat depression.
Joining a walking group, weekend sports league, or even a local hobby club creates a support network that keeps men engaged and motivated. These bonds remind men they’re not alone in facing midlife challenges and that shared laughter and camaraderie can be as healing as any workout or diet plan.
Use Smart Supplements
Some men turn to supplements designed for their stage of life. For example, products like TestoGreens MAX are formulated for men over 40 who want to support energy and recovery. These tools are most effective when paired with consistent habits. Other generally beneficial supplements may include magnesium, protein, creatine, and ashwagandha.
Changing the Narrative
Closing the midlife health gap requires more than just new fitness programs or supplements; it demands a complete shift in how society views ageing and masculinity. For decades, the message to men has been clear: getting older means slowing down, accepting less energy, and quietly fading into the background.
But that story no longer fits. Ageing does not have to mean decline; it can represent transformation, wisdom, and renewed strength if men are given the right tools, knowledge, and encouragement.
This change begins with conversation. The way we talk about midlife should highlight potential, not limitation. When men see ageing portrayed as an opportunity to rebuild rather than retire, they start to engage more with their health. Small steps, lifting weights again, eating cleaner, or prioritising rest become acts of self-respect rather than signs of struggle.
Joe LoGalbo, founder of Live Anabolic, often repeats the phrase: “No man left behind.” His philosophy captures what the wellness industry has often missed: men in their forties, fifties, and beyond still have enormous potential waiting to be unlocked.
They just need someone to speak directly to them. LoGalbo’s approach is about building men up instead of writing them off, reminding them that midlife is not the end of the story, it’s a powerful new chapter waiting to be written.
Closing The Midlife Health Gap For Men Over 40
The wellness industry has an opportunity. By addressing the needs of midlife men, it can fill a huge gap and change lives. But men themselves must also step up—scheduling check-ups, eating smarter, moving more, and staying connected.
The midlife health gap is real, but it doesn’t have to stay open. With awareness, effort, and a shift in culture, men can reclaim their energy, confidence, and strength in the second half of life.