Health Preservation: Stop Laziness and Get Moving!
An increasing number of men are experiencing early health warnings due to excessive stress and unhealthy lifestyles, yet they constantly excuse themselves from exercise due to busyness...
What’s wrong with men? Are they unable to walk?
"Walk 10,000 steps for health" is a quietly rising global wellness movement. Though not everyone can walk 10,000 steps daily, the key is cultivating a proactive mindset toward physical activity. According to *Xinhua Daily Telegraph*, during the recent "Shanghai International Forum on Healthy Cities," Professor Currie from Queensland University of Technology, a pioneer of the "10,000 Steps" initiative, remarked: "This campaign has gained widespread popularity—our website has recorded cumulative registrations of 6 billion steps—but I was surprised to find that the vast majority were women. Where are the men? Can’t they walk?"
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Experts from Fudan University’s School of Public Health say: "Modern men are actually more vulnerable, and their health issues are often masked by their strong physical appearance." Men have traditionally symbolized strength, bearing heavier social, familial, and societal expectations, thus facing greater stress. Yet, public health systems often pay them the least attention—community clinics primarily serve the elderly, children, women, and disabled, leaving adult males overlooked.
Professor Li Dabai of the School of Public Health at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, discussing why "men can't walk," noted this is not a local issue but a global phenomenon. Adult males, especially those around 40, face serious health challenges worldwide. While awareness of this problem is growing, getting men to actually move is extremely difficult. Among those in suboptimal health, 75% are middle-aged men. Surveys show more and more adult men are suffering early health decline due to overwhelming work and life pressures and unhealthy habits. Dr. Jia Xiaodong from Shanghai CDC’s Occupational Health Department says men’s social and family roles lead to greater psychological and emotional burdens, reducing their attention to personal health—often unconsciously neglected until problems arise. Relying on treatment after illness instead of preventive care is extremely risky, yet most men remain trapped in this cycle for various reasons.
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According to the World Health Organization, about 35% of people globally are in suboptimal health, and among them, 75% are middle-aged men. A recent survey of over 1,000 urban middle-aged men in Shenzhen, Shanghai, and Wuxi found that 70% were in suboptimal health due to excessive stress, with an average perceived age five years older than their actual age.
Experts warn that men’s physical and mental health need attention. Modern men should freely express emotions and acknowledge their vulnerability. Even when busy, they must set aside time to care for their health. This in no way undermines masculinity but greatly benefits well-being.
Perhaps men remain busy and exhausted, but regardless of how busy or tired they are, they must genuinely prioritize their physical and mental health. Perhaps starting with a daily walk is the best first step.