To celebrate International Men’s Day, a lively and eye-opening webinar titled “Climbing the Fifth Floor: Challenges and Planning” brought men together to talk about something we don’t always like to talk about—health after 40. Led by Dr Eretare Odjugo, the session explored what really happens as men step into the “fifth floor” of life, and how to prepare so the climb doesn’t feel like carrying groceries up the stairs with no elevator.
Spoiler alert: turning 40 isn’t the beginning of the end—but it is the point where your body starts sending clearer messages. The key is learning how to listen.
Health Is More Than “Not Being Sick”
One of the first things Dr Odjugo clarified was a common misconception: being healthy doesn’t just mean you’re not in the hospital.
Health, he explained, includes physical, mental, and social well-being. That means you can look fine on the outside and still be struggling on the inside—whether it’s stress, burnout, poor sleep, or silent medical issues.
And while we love to say “life begins at 40,” the truth is that this is also the age when years of habits—good or bad—start showing up more clearly. Think of it as your body finally submitting a long-overdue report card.
When Your Body Starts Sending “Please Slow Down” Emails
If you’ve ever woken up with back pain you can’t explain, or felt stiff after sitting too long, welcome to one of the most relatable parts of the webinar: musculoskeletal changes.
Many men in their 40s begin to notice:
- Random back and joint aches
- Early arthritis
- Reduced muscle strength and bone mass
- More stiffness, muscle spasms, and slower recovery after injuries
That long drive that used to feel easy? Now your back has opinions. That quick stretch? Suddenly risky.
The good news? These changes are normal, not signs that something is “wrong.”
“It’s not that something dramatic has happened. It’s your body trying to tell you: slow down, take it gently.” said Dr Odjugo
They’re simply reminders to move smarter, stretch more, and treat your body with a little more respect.
Metabolic Syndrome: The Quiet Troublemaker
One of the most important topics discussed was metabolic syndrome—a group of conditions that quietly raise the risk of serious illnesses like diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke.
- Extra weight around the belly
- High triglycerides
- Low “good” (HDL) cholesterol
- Persistently high blood pressure
- Elevated fasting blood sugar
Dr Odjugo paid special attention to visceral fat—the deep belly fat common in “apple-shaped” bodies. Unlike the fat you can pinch, this one surrounds vital organs and causes trouble silently over time.
In short: if your belt keeps getting tighter, it might be time for more than a new belt.
It’s Not Just Physical: The Mental and Emotional Side
The webinar didn’t shy away from topics men often avoid—mental health and social challenges.
As men age, many face:
- Stress and anxiety
- Depression
- Social isolation
- Changing family responsibilities
- Work pressure and the stigma of asking for help
Friendships may fade, roles shift, and community involvement can drop off. These changes can have a subtle yet significant impact if left unaddressed.
The message was clear: mental health matters just as much as physical health, and seeking help is a strength—not a weakness.
Acceptance, Planning, and Taking Action (Without Panic)
Rather than sounding alarm bells, the session focused on practical, realistic steps.
“Aging is a normal process. Everyone is different, and similar exposures don’t mean similar outcomes.” said Dr. Odjugo
Ageing isn’t optional—but suffering unnecessarily is.
Some key takeaways included:
Simple Lifestyle Tweaks
- Eat less salt, sugar, and processed food
- Aim for balanced meals (yes, vegetables count)
- Quit smoking and keep alcohol in check
- Stay physically active—even brisk walking helps
Know Your Numbers
Every man should know:
- Height, weight, and BMI
- Waist circumference
- Blood pressure
- Fasting blood sugar
- Urinalysis results
Think of these as your dashboard indicators—much better to notice a warning light early.
Prevention Is Power
Early screening matters, including:
- Family history reviews
- PSA tests
- Stool and skin checks
- Radiological screenings when advised
Mental health check-ins and careful use of medications were also strongly encouraged.
“Celebrate the small wins; they add up. And it’s never too late to start.” Dr. Odjugo encouraged
The Big Message: Think Preventive, Not Reactive
The webinar wrapped up with a simple but powerful idea: health checks in your 40s are preventive maintenance, not emergency repairs.
Catch problems early. Track risks. Build healthier habits over time.
There’s no one perfect formula, but with awareness, planning, and small consistent actions, men can climb the fifth floor with confidence, strength, and purpose—and maybe even enjoy the view along the way.
