5 Health Topics Every Man Over 40 Should Take Seriously

When I turned 40, I didn’t feel any different at first. But things started to shift gradually — a little more tired in the mornings, not bouncing back from workouts the way I used to, and a few more trips to the loo at night. Now, at 51, I realise how important it is to take men’s health seriously before small issues become big problems.

I’m not a doctor, but I’ve worked in a pharmacy and have seen firsthand how common certain health issues are for men — including things most guys don’t like to talk about. So I decided to put together a post that highlights five health topics I believe every man over 40 should keep an eye on. These are based on personal experience, conversations with health professionals, and real-world observations.

Let’s get into it.

1. Sleep & Recovery: Recharge Properly

Sleep is your body’s natural repair mode — and trust me, after 40, we need that more than ever. Not getting enough sleep can affect your mood, testosterone levels, weight, memory, and even your heart health.

Personally, I’ve made a few key changes that improved my sleep significantly: I stopped drinking caffeine after 2pm, put my phone away an hour before bed, and started using the Mudita Harmony 2 E Ink alarm clock instead of my phone. That single change helped me wind down without blue light distractions. I also stopped checking emails at night and made a rule to never scroll social media in bed — that was a game changer. These days, I wake up earlier and feel much more refreshed.

Aim for 7 to 9 hours of quality sleep. If you're still waking up exhausted or your partner mentions your snoring could wake the neighbours, it might be worth checking for sleep apnea.

2. Prostate Health: Don’t Skip the Check

Prostate cancer affects 1 in 8 men, and the risk increases after 50. The prostate can also enlarge naturally with age, leading to what’s known as BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia). You might notice things like needing to urinate more often, especially at night, or having a weaker stream.

These symptoms can be annoying, but they’re also important early warnings. A simple PSA blood test and a chat with your GP can make all the difference. Early detection is key, and the treatments are much more effective when caught early. If you have a family history of prostate issues, start getting checked even earlier — around age 45.

3. Testicular Cancer: It’s Rare, But Know the Signs

Testicular cancer is more common in younger men, but it can still happen in your 40s and 50s. The good news? It’s one of the most treatable cancers — if you catch it early.

I recommend doing a quick self-check once a month in the shower. Look for lumps, swelling, or changes in size or firmness. It only takes a minute, and it could save your life. If you’re not sure what to look for, there are loads of guides online. Or better yet, ask your doctor during a check-up — they’ll be happy to explain.

4. Erectile Health: It’s About More Than Sex

Let’s talk about erections — because they’re not just about what happens in the bedroom. Erectile dysfunction (ED) can actually be one of the first signs of heart disease, diabetes, or hormonal imbalances.

I’m 51, and thankfully I don’t suffer from ED. But when I used to work in the pharmacy, I saw a lot of men — including men in their 20’s-30s — coming in regularly for Viagra or other ED treatments. It’s more common than you think, and it’s nothing to be ashamed of. If you notice changes in your sexual health, don’t ignore it. Speak to your GP. Often, lifestyle changes like improving sleep, managing stress, losing weight, or reducing alcohol can help. ED isn’t a sentence — it’s a symptom. Listen to it.

5. Mental Health: You’re Not Alone

We don’t talk enough about mental health, especially as men. And yet, midlife is when many of us start feeling pressure from all sides — work, relationships, aging parents, finances, and our own expectations.

I’ve been through my share of tough periods. Journaling has helped me immensely, as has simply talking to a friend or my wife when things feel heavy. Sometimes we think being strong means staying silent — but real strength is knowing when to speak up.

One of the best things I did last year was limit social media and spend more time outdoors — even a 20-minute walk with the dog can make a difference. Whether it’s stress, anxiety, or low mood, don’t try to tough it out alone. There’s help available, and it’s not a weakness to ask for it.

Quick Health Checklist for Men Over 40:

✅ Get 7–9 hours of quality sleep every night

✅ Book your annual GP check-up (PSA, blood pressure, cholesterol)

✅ Do a monthly testicular self-exam

✅ Talk to your GP if you experience any erectile changes

✅ Take care of your mental health — journal, talk, or seek support

✅ Reduce caffeine and screen time before bed

✅ Move daily — even a walk helps

Final Thoughts: Make Health Your Priority

Turning 40 is not the beginning of the end — it’s the beginning of your second prime. But only if you take care of your body and mind.

The five topics above aren’t just buzzwords. They’re real, everyday issues that can impact your quality of life and longevity. So take them seriously. Book that check-up. Make that lifestyle change. Talk to someone.

Your health matters. Not just for you — but for everyone who loves you.

Jerome

Jerome is a 51-year-old lifestyle blogger and the founder of Dapper & Groomed. He shares real-life, personal health insights for men over 40, drawing from both experience and his years working in pharmacy. Based in the UK, he helps men live smarter, healthier lives with a touch of style and honesty.