Ever thought about how many mornings you have left after turning 50? For men our age, given the right mood, this thought has probably pass through our minds at some point. But the number might surprise you. If you’re around fifty today, you could be waking up to roughly ten thousand seven hundred more sunrises – give or take a few. More if you live beyond a man’s average lifespan of 82 years.

Now imagine making the most of each one. For many of us men over 50, that idea comes with a catch: to truly seize these days, we need to get a handle on our health. Yet studies show that men are often playing catch-up when it comes to understanding health information and taking charge of our well-being . This isn’t about blame or shame – it’s about recognizing a gap and filling it. The 10,700 newsletter was born of that need. It’s about turning those thousands of mornings into opportunities for better health, stronger relationships, and a more fulfilling life after 50. In this article, we’ll explore why this kind of newsletter is so important and how a smarter approach to health in our fifties and beyond can make all the difference.

The Health Knowledge Gap After 50

It’s a common scene: a guy in midlife leaves the doctor’s office with a pamphlet he never reads, or shrugs off an ache because “it’s just aging.” Many of us grew up in an era when men didn’t talk much about health – sometimes we barely ask for directions, let alone ask a doctor for help. In fact, research confirms what we’ve long suspected: men have overall lower health literacy than women, and we’re twice as likely to have inadequate understanding of basic health information. We also tend to wait longer to acknowledge when we’re sick or to seek help, perhaps out of a learned stoicism. Men can feel pressured to act tough and unconcerned .

Unfortunately, flying blind in matters of health has real consequences. By our 50s, many of us are facing new medical terms (high cholesterol, PSA levels, arthritis medications) and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed or tune it out. A national poll in 2024 found that 1 in 5 adults over 50 isn’t confident they can even recognize false health information online. That means a lot of men our age might struggle to tell fact from fad, which can lead to poor decisions or no decisions at all. And unlike ignoring a map when driving, ignoring health issues won’t just get us a bit lost – it can shorten our journey.

Why this gap in knowledge? It’s not that men 50+ aren’t intelligent or don’t care; clearly that’s not the case. Often, it’s cultural. We were raised to be self-reliant and not complain. Many of us never really learned how to navigate the health care system or decode medical jargon. Plus, up until now, maybe we haven’t needed to pay close attention – we felt fine. The good news is that it’s never too late to learn. Health literacy isn’t a fixed trait; we can improve it just like any skill.

Practical takeaway: Commit to filling in one knowledge gap about your health this week. Is there a test result you didn’t understand, or a medication you’re unsure about? Take a moment to ask your doctor or pharmacist or visit a reputable website (like Mayo Clinic or a national health organization) to learn more. There’s strength – not weakness – in seeking information. After all, taking care of your health is one of the manliest things you can do for yourself and your loved ones. Think about it: strength has never just been about lifting heavy things or “toughing it out.” Real strength is about showing up, day after day, for the people who count on you. If your kids or grandkids want you at their games, or your partner wants to grow old with you, the most powerful gift you can give them is your presence. That means being around, being capable, and being engaged.

Men often pride themselves on being protectors and providers. But what good is financial security or hard-earned wisdom if you’re too sick, too tired, or too absent to share it? Choosing to eat better, exercise, go for check-ups, and learn about your health isn’t weakness; it’s responsibility. It’s leadership.

Better Health, Longer Life: Why Knowledge Matters

Why put in the effort to become more health-savvy now? Simply put, because the stakes are high and the payoff can be huge. Men in their 50s today are on the frontlines of chronic conditions – from high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes to prostate issues and beyond. By age 65, a staggering 93% of adults have at least one chronic disease and nearly 80% are managing two or more . Many of those conditions start creeping in during our 50s and 60s. The more we know, the better equipped we are to prevent them or manage them, so they don’t derail our independence.

Health knowledge isn’t just about avoiding bad outcomes; it’s also the key to unlocking more good years. A major Harvard study found that men who adopt five basic healthy habits by age 50 – things like regular exercise, a balanced diet, maintaining a healthy weight, not smoking, and moderating alcohol – live on average 12 years longer than those who don’t. Yes, you read that right: twelve extra years of life, just by making informed, healthier choices. That could translate to thousands more mornings added to your count. Even if you’re already dealing with a condition, being proactive and knowledgeable can significantly improve your quality of life. For example, understanding your medications and sticking to the right diet can keep diabetes or heart disease in check, letting you enjoy your days rather than being bogged down by symptoms.

Beyond the numbers, think about confidence and peace of mind. When you know why your doctor is recommending a statin or how cutting back on salt actually helps your blood pressure, you’re more likely to follow through. Knowledge reduces fear of the unknown. It empowers you to ask the right questions and make decisions with your healthcare team, instead of just going with the flow and hoping for the best. Rather than viewing health as something that “just happens” to you, you start to see how your actions and choices shape your future. And that’s incredibly motivating.

Practical takeaway: Leverage that curiosity. The next time you get a check-up, bring a list of two or three questions. Don’t shy away from asking, “What does this term mean?” or “How will this treatment help me in the long run?” If you prefer reading, pick up a book or reputable article about a health issue you’re facing (for instance, a guide to lowering cholesterol or a primer on arthritis management). Bit by bit, build your understanding. You’ll find that this not only helps you take better care of yourself but also impresses your doctor – in a good way! An informed patient is a doctor’s delight, because it means you’re engaged and ready to partner in your care.

10,700 Mornings: Making Each Day Count

Let’s return to that idea of 10,700 mornings. Why frame our lives in mornings? Because each morning is a fresh start – a small, repeatable chance to do something good for yourself. When you think about having thousands of days ahead, it’s a powerful reminder that it’s not too late. You have plenty of runway to make improvements, and each day’s choices add up. It’s also a reminder that time is finite, so we shouldn’t take these mornings for granted. It strikes a balance: urgent optimism. There’s urgency to take action (we’re not going to live forever, after all), but there’s optimism in knowing we likely have many days still to come and enjoy.

The 10,700 mindset is about approaching health and life with consistency and hope. Instead of making one big resolution (“I’ll lose 20 pounds this year” or “I’ll completely overhaul my diet”), think in terms of daily habits and small wins. Research on behavior change shows that little actions, repeated regularly, always beat grand gestures that fizzle out. What’s something positive you can do each day? Maybe it’s a 10-minute walk around the block with the dog. Maybe it’s swapping out that second cup of coffee for a glass of water or adding fruit to your breakfast. Or perhaps it’s a short stretching routine to ease that stiff back. None of these actions are dramatic on their own, but over months and years, they pay dividends in better mobility, improved mood, and stronger health.

Another aspect of health is mental, and it often comes down to how we shape the rhythm of our days. Many men over 50 are transitioning out of full-time work or stepping into new roles, like becoming a grandparent or finally tackling long-postponed projects. That shift can sometimes leave us asking, “What now?” Creating a small daily ritual—whether it’s exercise, reading, meditation, or simply taking ten minutes to plan your day—can provide a sense of structure and purpose. It’s a chance to focus on yourself before life’s other demands take over. By carving out that intentional space, you’re sending a clear message: “My well-being is a priority.” That mindset shift is powerful, no matter when in the day it happens.

And remember, making days count doesn’t mean being perfect. We’ll take progress over perfection anyday.

Practical takeaway: Design a morning ritual that works for you, starting tomorrow. It could be as simple as “A-B-C”– A for Activity (do some physical movement, like a brief walk or some push-ups), B for Breakfast (eat something nourishing, maybe oatmeal or eggs instead of skipping or just coffee), and C for Calm (take a few minutes to breathe deeply, or step outside and enjoy the quiet, setting a positive mindset). Write down your A-B-C plan for the next morning and give it a go. Adjust as needed and repeat. Over time, this little ritual can become your anchor, no matter what life throws at you later in the day.

From Information to Inspiration: How our 10,700 Newsletter Helps

One reason we launched the 10,700 newsletter is to make information about life after 50 engaging and relevant for men like us. Health is a big part of it, of course, but so are relationships, purpose, energy, and the everyday choices that shape how we live. Too often, the content out there either feels dry and clinical or is written for a completely different audience. It’s easy to tune out when you don’t see yourself in the picture. This newsletter aims to change that by delivering tips and insights in plain language – everyday language that doesn’t require a medical degree to understand. Research suggests that health programs work best when they’re tailored to men’s communication style and delivered in familiar, friendly ways. In other words, we learn better over a casual chat (or a relatable read) than from a thick textbook of medical jargon.

We also recognize that learning how to live well after 50 isn’t a one-time event, but a continuous journey. By showing up in your inbox regularly, 10,700 keeps the conversation going. One week you might read about heart-healthy foods, another week it could be tips for strengthening friendships, finding purpose in retirement, or improving sleep. The idea is to create a steady drumbeat of inspiration and knowledge. Little by little, these nuggets can sink in and spark action—whether it’s scheduling that overdue colonoscopy, trying out a new hobby for stress relief, or simply feeling validated that you’re not the only one navigating these same challenges.

Another big element is community. Even if it’s a virtual community of readers, there’s power in knowing other men are on this path with you. Too often, we men tend to go it alone. But think about it: we’re all aging, we’re all figuring out retirement plans or new life purposes, we all get creaky knees and worry about our families. There’s no reason to tackle these things in isolation. While reading a newsletter isn’t the same as chatting with a buddy, it does create a shared experience. You might find yourself thinking, “Ah, so I’m not the only one who finds all these new health rules confusing,” or “If other guys can make this change, maybe I can too.” Some readers might even forward an issue to a friend or discuss an article with their spouse. In that way, 10,700 serves as a conversation starter.

Practical takeaway: Engage with the material and the community. If a particular newsletter topic speaks to you, consider discussing it with someone in your life – maybe mention that interesting stat you learned about men’s health to a friend over coffee. If you have questions or want to learn more, hit reply or comment (if that’s an option) to spark a discussion. Make use of tools like health trackers or journals to note any changes you try (for example, keeping a blood pressure log if we talked about hypertension). The more active a role you take, the more you’ll get out of the information. And remember, you’re part of a larger movement now: men who are choosing to approach the second half of life with eyes open and minds open.

Embracing the Journey Ahead

As we wrap up, take a moment to appreciate where you stand. You’ve made it through a half-century or more of life’s ups and downs – that’s an achievement! Now, you likely have thousands of mornings still to come. 10,700 is about cherishing each day and acting with intention. It’s about waking up with curiosity instead of complacency, with purpose instead of just routine.

No matter what your past habits or health mistakes have been, you can start fresh. Midlife isn’t an ending; it can be a launch point for some of your best years. By staying informed, breaking the old “men don’t talk about health” stereotype, and taking small daily steps, you’re stacking the odds in favor of a longer, happier life. Imagine yourself a decade from now – maybe 60, maybe 65, or even more experienced – enjoying a morning hike or playing with grandkids, feeling strong and informed and glad you invested in yourself now. That image isn’t a pipe dream; it’s a very real possibility if you approach your health with the care and interest it deserves.

So, here’s to the mornings ahead. Tomorrow when you open your eyes, remember: you’ve been given another day, another chance. Make it count in some small way. And know that you’re not doing it alone – this newsletter, and a whole community of men like you, are walking the path together. A smarter, healthier life after 50 is well within reach, one morning at a time.

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