11 Things Men Do Not Care About Anymore Once They Reach A Certain Age
As time passes, men grow less concerned with societal norms and rigid expectations.
Krakenimages.com | Shutterstock As men get older, their priorities start to shift in ways that sometimes surprise even them. Things that once seemed important or even essential start to lose their grip, and they slowly let go of expectations that don’t hold the same weight anymore. With age often comes clarity, and clarity has a way of rearranging what gets space in your mind and what quietly fades into the background.
Some of these changes are subtle, while others are the result of hard-won lessons and life experience. The confidence that comes with age is all about knowing what matters and not wasting energy on what doesn’t. Whether it’s about appearance, approval, or ambition, there are several things many men simply stop caring about once they’ve lived long enough to realize they don’t have to.
Here are 11 things men do not care about anymore once they reach a certain age
1. Having a six-pack
Evgeny Atamanenko | Shutterstock.com
According to a study from the Men and Masculinities journal, men start to be less concerned with exercise and food habits in relation to their physique as they age, and more concerned with protecting their general health. While it may feel contradictory to the societal expectations we have for women at the same age, the picture of youthfulness for aging men is truly about their health and independence.
So, it’s not entirely surprising that having a six pack is one of the things men do not care about anymore once they reach a certain age. They’re more likely to invest time in protecting their actual physical health, rather than a societally pushed expectation or image.
2. Following trends
Yavdat | Shutterstock.com
Practicality, function, and comfort become more important for older men as they build their wardrobes and daily style. Rather than following trends or trying to make themselves look inauthentic to align with societal expectations, they lean towards outfits and self-expressions that make them feel secure and comfortable.
Especially for men, who may need extra comfort and practicality from their clothes as they age to navigate their daily routines, it’s not surprising that they start to care less and less about the trend cycle.
3. Trying to fit in
Monkey Business Images | Shutterstock.com
Many people care more about fostering deep and meaningful relationships as they get older, rather than seeking external validations and superficiality as they get older. They have a better understanding of their values and personal identity as they age, so trying to fit in becomes less important than fostering a sense of authenticity.
Many of the things men do not care about anymore once they reach a certain age revolve around challenging social norms. While consumerism, trend cycles, and societal norms encourage them to dismiss their authenticity for the sake of fitting in, age brings experience that promotes a more genuine outlook on life.
4. Chasing potential partners
Krakenimages.com | Shutterstock.com
Chasing potential partners is one of the things men do not care about anymore once they reach a certain age. Of course, if they’re already in a relationship or marriage, they’re investing time and energy into that connection rather than seeking out new superficial ones. However, even single men find more fulfillment in nurturing deeper connections as they get older.
While self-esteem may decline past middle age, many people grow more internally secure as they get older, validating themselves from the inside, rather than seeking out approval and validation from others.
5. Driving a flashy car
ViDI Studio | Shutterstock.com
Part of the reason aging men don’t care as much about status symbols like a flashy car to the same extent as they did when they were younger is their more developed sense of self-esteem and internal security. If they’re going to invest in something like a nice car, it will be for themselves, rather than seeking the approval and validation of the people next to them on the road.
In some ways, the economic uncertainty that many are facing today may remove the desire to invest in something like a fancy car, as well. If you’re struggling to prepare for retirement or to pay off loans, are you truly worried about having the money for a sports car?
6. Going out every weekend
Krakenimages.com | Shutterstock.com
Despite still appreciating going out with their friends once in a while or planning a date night on the town with their significant other, many men prefer not to go out every weekend as they get older. While the mentality behind staying in and investing in personal relationships is often healthy, it can also spark isolation and loneliness in certain people in the long term, an experience that’s often more common as people age.
Of course, going out every weekend often isn’t sustainable for people as they get older. They have relationships, personal health, and business to attend to that many younger people do not, which is why it’s one of the things men do not care about anymore once they reach a certain age.
7. Being a protector all of the time
Inside Creative House | Shutterstock.com
Societal stigmas and expectations push men to be the providers and protectors in their relationships. While it can be fulfilling and validating to adopt those roles, it’s also one of the things men do not care about anymore once they reach a certain age.
Especially in balanced, healthy, and long-term relationships, they know they don’t have to adopt a role for the sake of approval. They can be themselves, share responsibilities, and craft a healthier dynamic at home.
8. Trying to look young
lielos_photograph | Shutterstock.com
According to psychotherapist Kaytee Gillis, there’s a strong double standard between men and women when it comes to aging and appearance — one that generally serves positively for the respect of men as they get older. Women are pressured to always maintain a youthful appearance, often losing respect as they get older and struggle with doing so. However, men gain respect as they get older and show signs of aging, and are even celebrated for looking older. Think of the way men are applauded for their salt-and-pepper hair, while women are pressured to hold onto their natural color for as long as possible.
Largely for this reason, looking younger is one of the things men do not care about anymore once they reach a certain age. It’s simply easier for them to allow the natural aging process to take its course.
9. Competition
insta_photos | Shutterstock.com
While competition with others might have fueled their early careers and dating lives as young adults, it’s one of the things men do not care about anymore once they reach a certain age.
Whether it’s a boost in self-esteem, a rise in their own authenticity, or a greater sense of security in their identity that keeps them from feeling pressured to compete with others, they’re more comfortable living their personal life without worrying about constant comparison.
10. Trying to make unhealthy relationships work
JLco Julia Amaral | Shutterstock.com
Fostering healthy connections and investing in balanced relationships adds value to our lives, especially as we get older and cope with the experiences of aging. These connections aren’t only important for the sake of our mental health, but for boosting our physical well-being, as well.
On the other hand, feeding into superficial connections and allowing energy to be drain by relationships that aren’t working out can do the opposite, hurting our mental, emotional, and physical well-being, which is why it’s another one of the things men do not care about anymore once they reach a certain age.
They not only start refusing to chase potential partners who show little interest in them, but they also stop feeding into and draining energy on relationships that don’t serve them in a healthy way.
11. Being perceived as masculine
Krakenimages.com | Shutterstock.com
Similar to pressures that urge men to take on the provider role in their relationships, societal expectations push men to try to appear masculine at all costs. Whether that means avoiding vulnerability and emotional growth or refusing to communicate openly, adopting this rigid and restrictive version of masculinity is one of the things men don’t care to do anymore once they reach a certain age.
Many people feel more in touch with themselves and more comfortable with their identity as they age, which is why it’s much easier to challenge social norms and avoid the easy fix and instant gratification of trying to fit in with what you think everyone else wants from you.
Zayda Slabbekoorn is a staff writer with a bachelor’s degree in social relations & policy and gender studies who focuses on psychology, relationships, self-help, and human interest stories.
