Why midlife is killing men 40+ and feels like a crisis
Midlife is killing men. Not just figuratively-literally. In their 40s and 50s, men face a collision of declining health, rising stress, and crushing isolation.
As Dr. Kwadwo Kyeremanteng puts it: “It’s isolating. You climb the ladder, you achieve success-and suddenly there are fewer confidants, fewer people who get it. You’re on an island.”
For entrepreneurs, executives, and professionals, the pressure to keep it together while silently crumbling inside is deadly. It’s no wonder rates of burnout, depression, and even suicide are highest for men in midlife.
The hidden health costs of ignoring the signs
Dr. Anmar Salman has seen it countless times in his clinic: men wait until they hit a wall before they reach for help. “I can prescribe the medication, but you’ll be back in three months. Nothing changes unless you change the fundamentals-your sleep, your movement, your connection.”
Men’s silence isn’t strength-it’s sabotage. Too many ignore stress, chest pain, or depression until it becomes catastrophic. By then, it’s often too late.
More success, less significance?
Here’s the painful paradox: many high-achieving men hit midlife with the house, the car, the title, and still feel empty. Midlife is killing men.
It’s not about more success. It’s about significance. As I shared in this conversation, “I’ve lived more years than I have left. That makes me want to invest the time I do have in what matters most: purpose and impact.”
This is why midlife can be a turning point. Either you keep chasing the “supposed life” and burn out, or you shift toward something richer, deeper, more meaningful.
Brotherhood is the antidote to isolation
Midlife is killing men. The silence men live with is deadly. We’ve been conditioned to rub some dirt on it, keep it inside, and go it alone. That’s what’s killing us.
But there’s a movement rising. Men are choosing to talk. To show up. To build circles where vulnerability is strength, not weakness.
As Forbes notes, the smartest move for midlife men isn’t doubling down on hustle-it’s stepping into what they call a “wisdom culture,” where your energy fuels purpose instead of burnout (Forbes).
That’s exactly why we built The Foundry, a brotherhood for entrepreneurs and leaders who refuse to face midlife alone.
What you can do about it
Midlife doesn’t have to be a death sentence. Here are three powerful shifts any man can start today:
- Prioritize healthspan over lifespan. Don’t just aim to live long-aim to live well. Get the checkup. Lift the weights. Eat like your future depends on it-because it does.
- Reconnect with brotherhood. Stop going it alone. Create a “band of brothers,” whether it’s a cigar night, a gym buddy, or a Foundry gathering. Isolation kills. Brotherhood heals.
- Reclaim your purpose. Success without significance is a slow death. Ask yourself: What impact do I want to leave? Align your daily choices with that answer.
Frequently asked questions
Q: What age is considered midlife for men?
A: Midlife is typically 40-60, though many men feel its effects closer to 50 as health, career, and relationships converge.
Q: Why do men struggle at midlife?
A: Stress, declining health, isolation, and loss of purpose tend to compound, especially for high-achieving men who’ve measured worth by work.
Q: Can I rebuild life without burning down the business?
A: Yes. With clear priorities, support, and better habits, you can integrate health, marriage, and leadership without sacrificing the company.
Q: Where can I find brotherhood that isn’t “therapy”?
A: The Foundry is a men’s brotherhood for entrepreneurs and leaders focused on connection, accountability, and practical change.
Eric Deschamps
Creator of The Foundry and Master Coach at rhapsodystrategies.com
Eric Deschamps helps high-performing men rebuild their lives from the inside out. The Foundry isn’t for every man. It’s for the ones ready to get honest, go deep, and do the work. If that’s you, join us here.