When it comes to lifespan, it seems that women have an advantage over men. According to statistics on average lifespan, women’s average lifespan is about 5 years longer than men’s, and there are more women than men in the long-lived population. Men and women are inherently different, so it’s normal for their average lifespans to differ. However, the fact that men have a shorter lifespan than women by about 5 years is not only due to physiological differences but also related to men being more prone to some unhealthy habits such as smoking, drinking, and sensual indulgence. These three are the most common unhealthy habits among men, and each of them can have a significant impact on health and lifespan. As men reach middle age, their physical functions decline, so it’s important to quit smoking, drinking, or sensual indulgence in a timely manner. Among these three habits, which one is the hardest to quit? If one must quit two of them, which two should be prioritized for quitting?
Which of these three habits is the hardest to quit? Which two should be quit first?
Many men have these three habits; some only have one, some have two, and some have all three. Different men have varying levels of interest and indulgence in these three matters. Determining the hardest habit to quit varies from person to person. For some men, quitting smoking is the hardest, and for others, it might be quitting drinking. However, looking at it holistically, smoking is the hardest of these three habits to quit.
According to the tobacco survey in China, the smoking rate among Chinese men is 50.5%, meaning one out of every two men smokes. Cigarettes contain substances like nicotine that are highly addictive. Once addicted, the body develops a dependency on tobacco, making it hard to quit. Smoking not only leads to physical addiction but also forms a psychological dependence that is challenging to overcome. Quitting smoking is not just about physical dependency but also about breaking social and environmental triggers that make it difficult. While it’s acknowledged that quitting the other two habits is also challenging, smoking remains the hardest to quit.
Many men have these three habits, but as men age, their physical health gradually declines. If these habits persist, they can have a significant impact on health. It’s crucial to quit all three habits, and if not all, at least two. If one must quit two of these habits, which two should be prioritized?
It’s evident that quitting smoking and drinking should be prioritized. Smoking and drinking are detrimental to health. As men age, their bodies undergo natural aging processes, and organs like blood vessels and liver become more vulnerable. Smoking damages the lungs and blood vessels, leading to problems in the respiratory and cardiovascular systems. Continuing these habits into middle age can result in various health issues affecting not only the lungs and blood vessels but also oral, esophageal, and gastrointestinal problems. Prolonged smoking can cause bad breath and premature aging, affecting both health and appearance.
Some believe that moderate alcohol consumption is harmless, but any amount of alcohol consumption can be detrimental to health. There is no completely safe level of alcohol consumption; even minimal intake can cause harm. As men age, liver function decreases, making the liver prone to fat accumulation. Continued alcohol consumption can further damage the liver and increase the risk of vascular issues.
While sensual indulgence may not be entirely beneficial for health, there’s no need to completely abstain from it. Moderate intimacy in middle age can be beneficial for health. Suppressing these desires entirely can have negative consequences, accelerating overall health decline and possibly leading to prostate problems. If one has such desires, it’s important to control and manage the frequency, as it can be beneficial for health.
As men age, the rate of physical aging accelerates. Continuing habits like smoking and drinking can further expedite this process, leading to health issues and potentially decreasing lifespan. If you have a smoking or drinking habit, it’s crucial to quit as soon as possible.