The mismatch between ageing and the often ageless expectations of popular masculinity leaves senior men without a blueprint to behave or handle emotions, researchers said.
Men who embodied the dominant cultural and societal hallmarks of manliness as younger men - projecting an aura of toughness and independence, avoiding crying and vulnerability, while courageously taking risks - are confronted by the development of health problems, loss of spouses and loved ones, retirement and needing to be a caregiver for ailing family members in later life.
"In our study, we hear men struggling with grief - which is a vulnerable state - and caregiving, which is associated with femininity," said Langendoerfer, who mined narrative data from nearly 100 previously published studies.
"If they must cry, men feel it's to be done in the home, away from others, even when their spouse has died. They have to renegotiate their masculinity in order to deal with what life is bringing their way," she said.
The blueprint included: 'No Sissy Stuf' - men are to avoid being feminine, show no weaknesses and hide intimate aspects of their lives; 'The Big Wheel' - men must gain and retain respect and power and are expected to seek success in all they do; 'The Sturdy Oak' - men are to be "the strong, silent type" by projecting an air of confidence and remaining calm no matter what; 'Give 'em Hell' - men are to be tough, adventurous, never give up and live life on the edge.
Most of the data came from studies with white, middle-class men from the US, Canada and Europe who had stable careers.
"More research inclusive of different races and socioeconomic backgrounds is needed to obtain a more complete picture of how older men adapt," Langendoerfer said.
The study was published in the journal Men and Masculinities.
Disclaimer: No Business Standard Journalist was involved in creation of this content
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