Understanding the state of men today is key to addressing the challenges we face. From risky behaviors to mental health, the data paints a stark picture of modern male existence.

In this episode, we're getting real about the disturbing stats affecting men in 2024. We dive into life expectancy gaps, risky behaviors, and the alarming state of men's mental health. We'll also dissect how societal norms have shaped and confined us, leading to this troubling state.

We kick off this episode with some eye-opening stats. Men live six years less than women, largely due to higher rates of smoking, excessive drinking, and avoiding medical care. The problem isn’t just bad habits; it's a culture that fails to encourage men to prioritize their health.

Socially, half of all men find their online communities more engaging than offline ones. For men aged 18-29, the numbers are even starker—they're more likely to be single and spend more time gaming. This speaks to a deeper issue of isolation.

Education provided another shock. While men led in bachelor's degrees in 1970, today, women have surged ahead, making up 51% of the college-educated workforce. Yet, men still dominate executive roles. What's going on here?

Finally, and perhaps most alarmingly, we need to talk about mental health. Nearly half of all men have thought about suicide in the last two weeks. We need a revolution in how men address their mental well-being because what we’re doing now just isn’t working.

Needless to say, it's time we break the mold. Listen to the episode to hear more about the alarming state of men today and what we can start doing about it.

Specifically, this episode highlights the following themes:

• Life Expectancy and Risky Behaviors: The health dangers men are facing
• Social Isolation and Online Communities: How men are connecting (or not)
• Mental Health Crisis: The alarming rates of depressive symptoms and suicidal thoughts

If you're interested in finding answers to your most pressing questions, or to submit a question of your own for an upcoming episode, go to jonsymes.com/drop-in. We host a free monthly drop-in for you to join the discussion!

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