Are You A Grumpy Old Man?

Are you a Grumpy Old Man? The poems reflect the human conditions experienced by grumpy old men and are intended to describe “Irritable Male Syndrome” (a.k.a. “andropause”) from the perspective of the aging male. Some of the poems are intended to be humorous, while others explore old-man irritability as the result of a combination of factors, some physiological, some psychological and all with high degree of respect and admiration for these long lived men. The poems will be based on observations and real-life experiences from the author’s perspective.
As I started to read more about irritability and grumpiness, I found it is not normal to be irritable and grumpy. Andropause studies revealed that people 50 and older are generally happier than younger people. Their lives are more enjoyable with memories of childhood, family and experiences in their career, military service, education, sports, romance and many more. The percentage of grumpy old people is actually much lower than their younger counterparts.

If that’s true, then what causes some older men perceived to become grumpy and irritable? A percentage of elderly men have not experienced the life they expected in their work or personal life. Many men do not have enough income to live comfortably in retirement, some are disabled, while others have chronic medical conditions such as hearing loss and glaucoma, conditions I have personally experienced.

Perhaps the most distressing human conditions are grief, loneliness and isolation. This can be particularly devastating for men who typically lose one or two close relatives or friends. If they outlive their wives and have no family in close proximity, it can be particularly overwhelming. For those living in nursing homes, the experience of isolation and loneliness can be profound, especially those who rarely get visitors and have no social life. People with Alzheimer’s and Dementia have side effects of the condition and are prone to be grumpy and irritable. For many men, they see their mental faculties slipping away; they get angry because they cannot stop it.

Finally, the latest trend is to blame low testosterone (a.k.a. “Low T”), for their impatience, sarcastic attitude, grumpiness and argumentative persona. After analysis of the literature and numerous field studies, my conclusion falls into the category of chronic health problems being a bigger factor. An obese older man becomes irritable not because of low T – but because his beer belly is making his back hurt and his GERD (Acid reflux) keeps him up at night.

Please join me in this short poetic journey through the life and emotions of elderhood and the human conditions experienced by grumpy old men, based on a variety of firsthand experiences and the occasional grumpy and irritable bozo in my bathroom mirror.