Men face new pressure to stay ‘hot’ as they age — and it’s not just about living longer

Maintaining healthy cholesterol and blood pressure, along with regular physical activity, are widely recommended components of healthy aging.

But as interest in longevity grows, some older adults are looking beyond extending their healthspan — the number of years lived free of disease — to prioritize looking, feeling and remaining physically attractive as they age.

Experts say the desire to maintain one’s appearance — the pursuit of “hotness” — can be psychological, shaped in part by a disconnect between how people feel and the changes they see in the mirror.

Maintaining a healthy weight can prevent the chronic, systemic inflammation that is linked to metabolic syndrome, which directly accelerates structural skin and tissue aging.

Intervene early at the first sign of thinning. Evidence-based medical treatments, like FDA-approved finasteride and minoxidil, remain the primary standard for maintaining hair density before follicle loss becomes permanent.

“The real longevity drug is exercise — aerobic and non-aerobic strength training exercises,” Vyas said.

“Someone who’s looking for a hotspan or a healthspan, because they’re so intimately related … I think they should focus on the basics to start … the foundation is what’s most important,” the surgeon added.