By Okey Goodluck Nwankwo
Introduction
Between the ages of 50 and 70 years, men enter what doctors often call the danger zone of life expectancy. It is an age bracket that witnesses some of the highest mortality rates among men globally. For many, the illnesses they ignored in youth, the stress they carried in middle age, and the lifestyles they adopted now begin to exact their toll.
Yet, this does not have to be a death sentence. As Maimonides reminded us centuries ago: “The physician should not treat the disease but the patient who is suffering from it.” Understanding why men die during this period is the first step to ensuring longer, healthier lives.
1. The Burden of Cardiovascular Disease
The greatest killer of men between 50 and 70 is heart and blood vessel disease:
High blood pressure that silently damages arteries.
Heart attacks caused by years of fatty deposits in blood vessels.
Stroke, which can suddenly cripple or kill.
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 1 in 3 deaths in this age group is from cardiovascular causes.
👉 Quote: “A man is as old as his arteries.” — Thomas Sydenham
Nigerian Reality
In Nigeria, hypertension is sometimes called the “silent killer.” Many men do not even know they have it until it strikes. Salt-heavy diets, alcohol, and lack of exercise worsen the risk.
2. The Scourge of Cancer
Cancers peak after age 50. The most common in men are:
Prostate cancer (leading in African men).
Lung cancer (especially in smokers).
Colorectal cancer (linked to diet and lifestyle).
Cancer often develops silently for decades before surfacing. In Nigeria, late presentation is a major problem.
👉 Quote: “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” — Benjamin Franklin
3. Metabolic Disorders and Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is most often diagnosed after 45, and by 50–70 it begins to show its complications:
Kidney damage.
Eye blindness.
Nerve disease.
Poor wound healing, sometimes leading to amputations.
When combined with hypertension and obesity, diabetes becomes a deadly trio.
4. Lifestyle Accumulation
Men often live fast in youth and pay the price later. Between 50–70:
Smoking accelerates lung and heart disease.
Alcohol destroys the liver and increases cancer risks.
Sedentary living leads to obesity, diabetes, and weak muscles.
Stress from work and family erodes the immune system.
👉 Quote: “Men do not die of old age. They die of neglect.” — Dr. Charles Mayo, founder of Mayo Clinic
5. Male Psychology and Cultural Barriers
Men are less likely to seek medical help. Many prefer to endure symptoms until disease is advanced. In Nigerian culture, men often see hospitals as “last resorts.”
This reluctance leads to late diagnosis of curable conditions.
6. Genetic and Hormonal Shifts
Testosterone levels decline after 50, affecting metabolism and immunity.
Family history of heart disease, cancer, or hypertension manifests strongly in this age.
While genetics cannot be changed, lifestyle and early detection can help men outlive their risks.
7. Infectious Diseases and Chronic Infections
Hepatitis B and C, HIV, and tuberculosis may not kill in youth but weaken organs over time. By the 50s and 60s, their complications — liver failure, cancers, and immune breakdown — appear.
8. Sudden and Silent Killers
Sudden cardiac arrest while sleeping or after mild exertion.
Blood clots leading to pulmonary embolism.
Kidney failure from untreated high blood pressure and diabetes.
👉 Quote: “Death is not the greatest loss in life. The greatest loss is what dies inside us while we live.” — Norman Cousins
Preventive Measures for Men Aged 50–70
1. Regular Medical Screening
Blood pressure and cholesterol checks every 6–12 months.
Blood sugar tests for diabetes.
Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tests and prostate exams.
Colonoscopy or stool tests for colon cancer.
ECG or stress tests for heart health.
2. Lifestyle Adjustments
Exercise: At least 150 minutes of moderate activity weekly. Walking, swimming, or cycling is enough.
Diet: More fruits, vegetables, fish, and whole grains. Less red meat, fried foods, salt, and sugar.
Weight control: Maintain healthy BMI.
3. Quit Harmful Habits
Stop smoking.
Reduce or eliminate alcohol.
Sleep at least 7 hours daily.
4. Stress and Mental Health
Engage in hobbies, prayer, meditation, or music.
Build strong family and community ties — loneliness is as dangerous as smoking.
5. Medications and Compliance
If prescribed drugs for hypertension, diabetes, or cholesterol, take them faithfully. Many men die early simply because they “felt well” and stopped treatment.
👉 Quote: “Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishment.” — Jim Rohn
Lessons for Nigerian Society
Government must invest in primary healthcare and free screening campaigns.
Communities must educate men about early check-ups.
Faith leaders should emphasize prevention, not only healing prayers.
Our culture must shift from “God forbid” denial to proactive health stewardship.
Closing Inspiration
Men between 50 and 70 often carry the heaviest responsibilities — fathers, leaders, professionals, breadwinners. Losing them prematurely is a tragedy for families and for nations.
As Marcus Aurelius said: “It is not death that a man should fear, but he should fear never beginning to live.” Living well means caring for the body, mind, and soul.
Closing Prayer
Almighty Father, You are the giver of life and the sustainer of years. We commit all men in their fifties, sixties, and beyond into Your hands. Grant them wisdom to care for their health, courage to seek help, and discipline to live wisely. May our fathers, brothers, and leaders enjoy long life in good health, and may Nigeria not be robbed of their wisdom in their prime. Amen.
Nwankwo is a public affairs analyst and commentator
