The life of men has changed dramatically in the 21st century.

In 1895 the average life expectancy was 47 years, however only 100 years later the average rose to 76 years. In the 21st century human beings will break the 100-year barrier and reach their biological limit - the highest possible life sustainability of the organism - of almost 120 years. This quantum leap in life expectancy can only be realistically attained if the lifestyle of men is fundamentally changed. After all the current situation of men is anything but good:

1.  Man die earlier than women
According to statistics in the western world men die on the average seven years earlier than women. The fatality rate of men up to 25 is much higher than that of women. In childhood, as teenagers and early adulthood there is a higher incidence of fatal accidents. By the age of 70 the difference between average life expectancy of men and women is reduced to only 2.5 years. The foundation for the large discrepancy in life expectancy between men and women is laid in the early years. This means that prevention must begin early because only this measure can dramatically increase the life expectancy of men.

2.  Men more frequently contact cancer
Men have a higher risk of dying of cancer than women do. Colon cancer rates are almost double. Lung cancer it is five times higher.

3.  Men have a much less healthy diet than women
Almost 70% of men between the ages of 30 and 50 are overweight. Hypertonia (high blood pressure) and high cholesterol levels are found more frequently in men. One of two men dies as a result of a circulatory disease.

4.  Men are less concerned with their body than women
On the one hand men are attracted to adventure sports yet on the other hand are less likely to attend to their physical fitness on a regular basis. In order to compensate this they frequently exhibit aggressive and risky behavior that can lead to illnesses, injury or even death.

5.  Men exhibit excessive tendencies towards alcohol and nicotine
Every fourth European is a smoker. A person inhaling the smoke of one cigarette transports approximately 4000 substances throughout his whole body - from the lungs, through the heart up to the brain. Thereby every smoker exposes his body to substances that can cause cancer and create dependency. Approximately 90% of lung cancer cases are caused by cigarette smoke. Lung cancer is the most frequent fatal cancer in men. Alcohol is no different. The regular consumption bier and spirits can cause a dramatic increase in the cancer risk by men. This was underscored by a large-scale study in Denmark of 15,000 men between the ages of 20 and 98. Men have a three times higher risk of dying of cirrhosis of the liver than women do.

6.  Men too have menopause
Its existence has been steadfastly denied in medical circles, but now there is proof. The "Partial Endocrine Deficiency Syndrome" (PEDAM) is a continual reduction in the hormone level of men in the course of the aging process and is the equivalent of menopause in women. The steady reduction of hormones such as testosterone, DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone), growth hormones, IGF-1 and melanin go hand in hand with a general reduction in a sense off well being, the libido and cognitive abilities. A decrease of muscle mass, the occurrence of osteoporosis (bone & joint degeneration) or the minimization of immune defenses are all associated with hormone deficiencies in men.

7.  Men have medical check-ups less frequently
Men generally visit doctors less frequently than women do. They tend to ignore illnesses and put off doctor's visits or only consult them when problems are too severe to ignore. Compared to women only half as many men have precautionary cancer check-ups. The diagnosis of an illness scares a great deal of men.

8.  Men more frequently have social and emotional problems
Men often have greater emotional and social problems because they have to fulfill more than one role at the same time - the role of the father and the role of the breadwinner. The divorced males mortality rate is double that of women.

9.  Men do not like showing weakness
Men's behavior pattern in regard to sickness has to adjust itself to the individual social position. Signs of weakness, particularly in regard to health are not compatible to men's social status. Men often see themselves as invulnerable.

10. Men need a ”men's doctor“
Man generally do not have a personal physician - such as women have in the gynecologist - who they visit regularly from an early age on and continue to do so till late in their lives. ”This will change in the future“ say the renowned internist and endocrinologist Prof. Heinrich M. Schulte from Hamburg who, with the HOMMAGE, was able to establish the first ”men's doctor“ in Germany. At two centers (Hamburg & Constance) and with a total of 27 offices throughout Germany currently being established men will be offered modern medical facilities and provided with the latest information concerning prevention and treatment of diverse ailments. Everything from lifestyle strategies, prostate problems, hair loss, hormone deficiencies to circulatory ailments and depression will be dealt with.

Source: Men's Health Report, Vienna 1999, Institute for Sociology at the University of Vienna, University Prof. Anita Rieder M.D.; The Man 2000, University Prof. Siegfried Meryn M.D., Georg Kindel, Prof. Markus Metka M.D. (Ueberreuter Publications); The Aging Male, Prof. Bruno Lunefeld M.D./ International Society for the Study of the Aging Male.