Monday, August 25, 2014

Worse Fates

Aging introduces men to the dismal cycle [bold added]:
A man in his 50s or 60s or 70s finds himself feeling sluggish and low. He’s eating or drinking too much, and his body doesn’t burn calories as fast as it used to. Next thing he knows, he’s overweight. The combination of mood and weight makes it difficult to stir up the energy for exercise, while lack of exercise only worsens his other problems. This dismal cycle wreaks havoc on his libido too.
Testosterone therapy is the latest cure for what ails us (yes, time has not bypassed your humble observer either):
T levels drop gradually as men get older. Isn’t it obvious that more T would mean less decline? This train of logic brings us to the frenzy of today: Men of the baby boom, top up your T levels and rock on! And give a nod to the ghost of Ponce de León as you reinhabit the hard and lusty body of your former self. Dude, I’ve got your fountain of youth right here.
Heart attack, stroke, and cancer are a few of the possible side effects of added testosterone, but many men accept those risks because they are unwilling to accept the poet's declaration:
For having lost but once your prime, You may forever tarry.
Caution: Men, as your flailings against Father Time become more desperate, don't become an object of pity. You'll find that there are worse fates than getting old.

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