It occurs when you’re unable to get or maintain an erection firm enough for sexual activity. While it might feel distressing, you should know that ED is often treatable and doesn’t define your health or masculinity.

Addressing it early may not only improve your sexual health but also reveal other medical issues that need attention. Continue reading to learn what may cause erectile dysfunction and how understanding these factors can help you take control of your wellbeing.

What erectile dysfunction means

Erectile dysfunction happens when the body’s normal process of arousal is disrupted. It involves the coordination of blood flow, nerves, hormones, and emotional responses. When something interrupts this balance, you might find it difficult to achieve or maintain an erection.

Beyond the physical symptoms, ED often affects your emotional confidence and relationships. You might feel frustrated, anxious, or even embarrassed, but you’re not alone. Many men experience similar struggles at some point, and acknowledging it is an important first step toward improvement.

Physical health factors

Your physical health plays a major role in erectile function. Certain common conditions can limit blood flow, which affects how erections form and last. Some of those are:

• Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Obesity
• Heart disease
• And others

Hormonal changes, particularly low testosterone, might also contribute to difficulties.

At Urocare London, specialists assess your symptoms carefully to identify whether they stem from underlying health issues, medication side effects, or circulatory problems. This ensures that treatment focuses not only on managing ED but also on improving your general health and confidence. Since each case is different, early assessment might help detect other related conditions that require attention.

Emotional and psychological influences

Erectile dysfunction isn’t always caused by a physical problem. Mental health and emotional wellbeing may also play a significant role. Stress, anxiety, or depression can interrupt the brain’s ability to send signals that trigger an erection. Relationship difficulties or performance worries might also make symptoms worse.

Addressing these emotional factors is just as important as any physical treatment. Talking therapies, stress reduction techniques, or couples counselling might help restore confidence and improve intimacy. By caring for your mental and emotional health, you can often see gradual improvement in physical performance too.

Lifestyle choices that affect erectile function

Daily habits can influence your sexual health more than you might think. Smoking, excessive drinking, poor diet, and lack of exercise all reduce blood circulation and might increase the risk of ED. Long-term stress and limited sleep can also affect hormone levels and overall energy.

Making practical changes, such as eating balanced meals, staying active, and limiting alcohol, could help improve symptoms naturally. However, lifestyle changes alone might not be enough if the problem persists. That’s why medical evaluation remains essential to rule out any hidden causes.

When to seek professional support

If ED lasts for several weeks or begins to impact your quality of life, it’s time to seek help. Clinics like Urocare London provide discreet and compassionate care, offering tailored treatments that may include medication, hormone therapy, or other advanced options. These solutions are designed to address both the cause and the emotional impact of the condition.

It’s always best to speak to a healthcare professional rather than trying to manage symptoms alone. Erectile dysfunction might sometimes signal other health issues, so an early consultation could make a real difference. Always consult with a doctor or healthcare professional before starting any treatment.

Regaining confidence and control

Living with erectile dysfunction might feel isolating or embarrassing, but effective help is available. Understanding what causes it and knowing when to seek expert care are important steps toward recovery. With medical support, small lifestyle improvements, and emotional reassurance, you can gradually regain your confidence and sexual wellbeing.

You’re not alone in this, and with the right guidance, a healthy and fulfilling intimate life is absolutely possible again. Taking that first step towards professional help can be life-changing and may restore both your confidence and peace of mind.

silvermagazine

If you’d like to receive a regular mini-magazine direct to your inbox with a selection of editorial features to read at your leisure, please sign up for our newsletter. We also run the odd competition and offer and whatnot, and newsletter members get the heads-up first.

The post Understanding erectile dysfunction and its common causes appeared first on Silver Magazine.

Incorporating timeless accessories into your wardrobe is more than just a fashion statement; it represents elegance and craftsmanship. The Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean showcases how a carefully selected accessory can enhance your overall appearance.

This timepiece features subtle elements that seamlessly integrate with both casual and formal attire, creating a refined look that stands out. Understanding how such accessories accentuate personal flair reveals their timeless appeal and ability to leave a lasting impression.

Accessories have the power to transform any outfit, adding a touch of sophistication and personal style. The design details of the Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean exemplify how a well-chosen accessory can enhance your ensemble. Platforms such as Chrono24 make it easy to see how models like this remain in high demand, with enthusiasts worldwide valuing both their style and craftsmanship.

Design elements that enhance style

The design of a luxury accessory is meticulously crafted to complement any outfit perfectly. Its sleek lines and elegant finishes harmonise with the refined textures found in high-quality clothing. This model is renowned for its distinctive bezel and innovative craftsmanship, which add sophistication to any ensemble. When paired with various outfits, these design elements create a cohesive look that exudes class and style.

Attention to detail is crucial in both high-end accessories and clothing. The Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean’s precise craftsmanship reflects a commitment to quality that mirrors the effort put into tailoring bespoke garments. The synergy between the accessory’s design and an outfit’s intricate stitching or fabric choice speaks volumes about the wearer’s appreciation for detail. A luxury accessory thus becomes more than just an adornment; it is a testament to one’s dedication to elegance.

Read more: Timeless fashion and wardrobe classics

The interplay between materials and finishes further elevates the accessory’s impact on overall style. Premium materials like brushed steel, polished ceramic, and sapphire crystal create subtle variations in texture and reflection that catch the eye without overwhelming the outfit. These thoughtfully selected elements work in harmony to create depth and visual interest, demonstrating how carefully chosen accessories can enhance the sophistication of any ensemble while maintaining perfect balance.

Personal expression through discerning accessories

A well-chosen accessory can transform an outfit by offering a unique opportunity for personal expression. Wearing an exquisite timepiece allows you to subtly infuse your individuality into your ensemble. The Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean, for instance, is available in various designs, providing options that suit different personalities and preferences while maintaining its signature elegance.

The versatility of this model ensures it can adapt to various styles of clothing without losing its charm. Whether attending a black-tie event or a casual gathering, this timepiece complements diverse settings seamlessly. Its adaptability makes it an ideal accessory for those who wish to showcase their personal taste while adhering to dress codes.

The confidence instilled by wearing such an accessory enhances the overall impression one makes at any event. It communicates a sense of self-assuredness and respect for tradition, qualities highly valued in social settings where first impressions count. A discerning accessory becomes an extension of oneself, amplifying one’s presence through subtle yet impactful means.

Creating a lasting impression with timeless elegance

The impact of a luxury accessory goes beyond immediate visual appeal; it contributes to creating a lasting impression through timeless elegance. Investing in a well-crafted timepiece ensures you possess an accessory that withstands changing fashion trends while continuing to enhance your wardrobe effectively.

A watch such as the Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean transcends fleeting trends due to its classic design elements combined with innovative features. This blend of tradition and modernity provides longevity in style, making it an investment piece suitable for passing down through generations as part of one’s legacy.

Ultimately, incorporating such pieces into your wardrobe signifies more than just fashionable choices; it represents an appreciation for artistry intertwined with functionality—qualities essential for making memorable statements at any occasion.

silvermagazine

If you’d like to receive a regular mini-magazine direct to your inbox with a selection of editorial features to read at your leisure, please sign up for our newsletter. We also run the odd competition and offer and whatnot, and newsletter members get the heads-up first.

The post The Omega Seamaster’s enduring appeal appeared first on Silver Magazine.

Men’s health in winter is vital to keep on top of, and self-care for men can be overlooked. But with the added pressures of the cost-of-living crisis, investing in yourself is more important than ever before.

You don’t need to replace your usual hobbies – instead, try to see a new routine as an enrichment to the way you live now. It’s never too late to start caring for your body, health, and mind. Here’s how you can get started and feel better this winter.

Self-care for men: Four simple steps towards becoming your best self

1. Style your hair

Refreshing your hairstyle can be one of the most effective ways to feel better. Winter often calls for major haircuts, especially if your hair is dry or starting to grow out beyond a length that’s easy to maintain.

By styling your hair, you can feel ready to tackle almost anything the day throws at you. If you’ve had your confidence knocked by a period of thinning or balding, specialised products like hair building fibres could help you to get back on track and feel unstoppable again.

2. Find a winter skincare routine

Your skin and hair might need more maintenance through colder weather, especially if you’re working long hours outside. Following a skincare routine will help you show off that healthy glow all through the season, no matter how extreme the outdoor conditions become.

Nourished skin not only helps you to appear healthy but could even make you look younger too. Of course, there’s a confidence-boosting element to having clear skin, too. When you feel more presentable, especially at work, you’ll be able to handle any task with enthusiasm and vigour.

Read more: Collagen for pro-ageing skincare

3. Improve your posture

The way you carry yourself could influence the way you feel throughout the day. Scientific studies suggest that improving your posture not only helps your body but has been linked to higher brain processing speeds and positive mood changes.

And improving your posture couldn’t be more straightforward. A few of the quick ways to fix your posture include:

• Sit properly: If you have a job that requires you to spend a lot of time sitting at your desk, this is vital. Try to sit with both feet on the floor, with your legs uncrossed. Your shoulders should be relaxed, and if possible, try to keep your knees facing forward.
• Stand tall: Thinking about improving your posture will naturally improve it over time. Concentrate on how you hold your shoulders and back, even when you’re doing something as simple as making a coffee.
  Work your muscles: Did you know that one of the biggest causes of joint and muscle pain is a lack of movement? Get up, shake out your legs, or hit the gym – you’ll notice the benefits quickly.

4. Consider nail care

Low temperatures and harsh, dry air have been proven to cause skin irritation and even eczema flare-ups during winter. If your hair and skin are suffering, your nails will likely be too – since they’re made of keratin, the same key protein in hair.

Nailcare is not just for women. If you’ve got a partner at home, they’ll likely notice any time and effort you might put into cleaning and restoring your nails. Once you know that you’re not walking around with dirty nails anymore, there’s bound to be an inevitable confidence boost too.

A final note

You don’t need to change much to feel more energised through winter. By taking care of your skin, hair, and body, you’ll notice benefits that seep into your emotional well-being too.

Read more: Are men bad at self care?

silvermagazine

If you’d like to receive a regular mini-magazine direct to your inbox with a selection of editorial features to read at your leisure, please sign up for our newsletter. We also run the odd competition and offer and whatnot, and newsletter members get the heads-up first.

The post Men’s health: Four simple ways to look and feel better this winter appeared first on Silver Magazine.

This habit is dangerous, and not uncommon. The unique ways in which men experience mental and physical problems and the stereotypes they face should not be ignored. But are men bad at self-care, and if so, how can this be improved?

Not taking it seriously

If you are a man going through a tough time in your life and are finding it hard to open up about your feelings, you’re not alone. Men are less likely to access psychological therapies than women. Only 36% of referrals to NHS talking therapies are for men.

But this issue is not exclusive to mental health or professional help. Being in denial about health issues makes communicating with your partner virtually impossible. In fact, research shows that 40% of men in the UK have never spoken to anyone about their mental health at all, this is around thirteen million people.

Men appear to have an attitude towards their health that it’ll pass. This can have serious consequences, and often their partner will need to step in.

Graham’s story

As a community pharmacist, Graham Brack ought to have known better when he had a fall and his oxygen levels went down to 92. But despite being unable to stand up, and being low on oxygen, Graham still believed “if they took me home and warmed me up I’d be okay.”

He had been lying on a concrete floor for more than an hour, causing him to become hypothermic. In the end, Graham’s wife called an ambulance in spite of Graham’s protestations. “In those circumstances trying to claim you’re fine when you can’t stand up isn’t going to fly.

“Part of her argument was that when O2 declines our brains don’t work well so I didn’t know what I was doing.”

On reflection, Graham realised “I wasn’t taking into account the effects of my condition on her, or our son who did a fabulous first aid job on me (at the age of 12).” However, he was thinking about how going into hospital would affect his family.

“I genuinely thought it would pass. But I think I was also aware that if I went to hospital that would cause major disturbance to the family and put a lot of pressure on my wife”

Don’t make it your partner’s responsibility

Although it may be hard to see the problem with keeping your feelings to yourself, often it’s the things you don’t say that create conflict within a loving relationship. This can leave your partner picking up the pieces. Is it fair to give your partner responsibility they didn’t ask for?

Josie Brooks is one of many women frustrated by this particular male tendency. She shared a terrifying anecdote.

Josie’s husband already had a history of heart issues. Once, on their way to a local market, she was so concerned about him that she finally had to order him to stop the car. When they went to a cafe to get some coffee, Josie called 999 in secret. Her husband got up and ran away (yes, you read that right), “He said he would be alright once home and refused to stop,” she said. After passing by two hospitals and rejecting the help he desperately needed, Josie once again rang 999.

The paramedics arrived shortly after. They “confirmed he was having a heart attack, and administered urgent care, whilst waiting for the ambulance,” she said. This was his second heart attack. They lost him for a brief amount of time, before restarting his heart.

” They took him in, and I had to watch, unable to do anything”

Understandably, Josie is furious and confused as to what possible reasons are behind this sense of denial. Why is it so hard to take care of yourself? What is stopping you from admitting you’re not okay?

In this instance and countless others, the fear of speaking out almost took his life. So, how can we create a culture where is it okay for men to accept help?

Why do men hide their feelings?

In an attempt to answer this question, I spoke to Dr. Elena Touroni, a consultant psychologist and co-founder of The Chelsea Psychology Clinic.

Mental health and physical health are undoubtably intertwined. Once impacts the other. Understanding men’s mental health may shed light on their denial of physical issues too.

“Vulnerability is (wrongly) seen as a weakness instead of the strength that it is.”

Why do men feel they have to hide their feelings? Why is it so normalised for men to keep things to themselves? Dr. Touroni gave us some professional insight into this. “We have ingrained cultural stereotypes about how men should and shouldn’t behave in society. A key part of this is the belief that men should be seen to be “strong” and manage their emotions” she said.

“Vulnerability is (wrongly) seen as a weakness instead of the strength that it is. Unfortunately, this can sometimes stop men from being open about their mental health and seeking support.”

So naturally, my next question was what is it that they are keeping inside? Perhaps if we can understand some of the overall issues behind the surface, we can offer some help and compassion.

How to spot when men are struggling

“Anxiety, depression, work-related stress, and relationship difficulties tend to be the most presenting issues. When struggling, men – as well as women – may turn to unhealthy coping mechanisms in an attempt to cope e.g. drinking too much.”

She also said, “whilst many of the symptoms of different mental health issues tend to be the same between men and women, there can also be subtle differences. For example, alongside the usual symptoms, depression can also manifest in men as some of the following: increased irritability, anger problems and escapism (playing video games for hours or working excessively)”

So, how does this affect the environment around them?

“When someone is struggling, it’s only natural that this will have an impact on other areas of their lives too, especially when it comes to their relationships. They might become more irritable, short-tempered, help out less or become shut down or distant from their partner. If you suspect your partner might be struggling, guiding them towards the most appropriate help is the best thing you can do.”

Would you try microdosing to improve mental health?

Helpful links

There are many ways to help a man in your life going through a hard time. Here are some links you may find useful:

Lloyd’s Pharmacy ‘Supporting men’s mental health’ 

Time to change ‘How to support men with mental health problems’

Medical news today ‘Man up is not the answer’

Studies used

Mental health in older adults 

The connection between physical and mental health

Millie Owens

www.titlemedia.co.uk

The post Are men bad at self-care? appeared first on Silver Magazine.

In this interview with Hollywood star Jeff Goldblum we hear more about fatherhood, his relationship with fashion, and reprising his famous character, Ian Malcolm.

Now approaching 70, the eccentric Jeff Goldblum has played numerous characters throughout his fifty-year career. Having started out on Broadway in Two Gentlemen of Verona at 19, Goldblum has transcended the impact of the average actor. Never failing to bring his unique and quirky delivery to every one of his roles, in cinema and on stage.

Other than performing in iconic films such as Independence Day, or Marvel’s Thor Ragnarok, Goldblum plays piano with his band, The Mildred Snitzer Orchestra. He spontaneously thought of the name when asked what to call the band on a jazz festival programme one year. The inspiration coming from the name of an old family friend, Mildred Snitzer.

Goldblum describes playing piano as a meditation and a discipline, which he is passing on to his two young sons. He and wife Emily encourage the boys to play every day. “It’s up to the parents, both Emily and I to kind of facilitate both their practice, they practice every day. And I think they’re doing okay.”

“I’m discovering new parts of it and seeing it in a new way through their eyes”

As well as passing on his pianist hobby, fatherhood has impacted Goldblum’s way of looking at the world. He speaks of his wild and lush back garden, that he has previously likened to that of Jurassic Park.

“I adore nature. And that backyard is a kind of physical relief and a spiritual tonic to me, for real. I love and especially now with Emily and our two boys, what we do back there, I’m discovering new parts of it and seeing it in a new way through their eyes. It’s being used more and differently and more adventurously, as you can imagine”

Not only is he an acting legend, but a fashion icon too.

Other then embodying quirky roles, or playing jazz at Glastonbury, Goldblum can be found walking the Prada runway.

The 69-year-old brought the recent Milan’s men’s’ fashion week to a close. Adorning clothes from Prada’s upcoming autumn collection, a collaboration with Belgian Designer Raf Simons. Goldblum described the clothes as “interesting and artful and creative” and said his time on the runway “was very thrilling.”

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Prada (@prada)

Goldblum grew up going against the grain in his fashion sense, taking inspiration from Sammy Davis Jr in the 60s. He then uncovered using fashion in collaboration with acting. Using clothes in his early acting to dress to make him feel a certain way and embody a new character.

So I got interested in clothes as a creative outlet, a possibility, a creative vehicle.

“If you found the right shoes that made you walk in a certain way or made you feel a certain way or a colour that meant something to you, it could be a portal into a character discovery. So I got interested in clothes as a creative outlet, a possibility, a creative vehicle.”

But he uses fashion in more than just acting

Now, Goldblum works closely with stylist Andrew Vottero to plan his outfits for press tours, meeting up at Goldblum’s home to try on outfits, take photos and go shopping together. The two plan in advance researching tour venues to ensure Goldblum always has the right fit.

“I have this fella Andrew Vottero… we have been the last several years, have developed an approach and a system. And we got together at my house a couple of times, and he did some, you know, rang Prada and they lent us some stuff to try out. Yeah, he gets in touch so we know what kind of place, what kind of venue it seems like its going to be. We try things on, he takes some pictures… And then I wear those things. And I take a big heavy suitcase.”

So, how was it going back to the ‘Jurassic’ universe after 30 years?

(from left) Dr. Ian Malcolm (Jeff Goldblum), Ramsay Cole (Mamoudou Athie) and Lewis Dodgson (Campbell Scott) in Jurassic World Dominion, co-written and directed by Colin Trevorrow.

In the newest, and final instalment of the ‘Jurassic World’ series, Jurassic World Dominion, Goldblum is back as the irreverent mathematician Ian Malcolm, along with his co-stars from the original series, Laura Dern and Sam Neill, as Ellie Sattler and Alan Grant.

Going back to the series and working with Dern and Neill again was “like a high school reunion or something like that. It was great. I adore them both. And seeing them again was fantastic” says Goldblum. The three of them spent time sharing in the nostalgia and singing together on set in between shoots.

Goldblum shared his joy of working with the talented actors again “Laura Dern and Sam Neill are particularly, as you know, as everybody knows, two of our greatest screen artists, much-awarded and highly-esteemed, and they’re fantastic people.”

Although working with Dern and Neill was familiar to Goldblum, there were some differences between shooting Jurassic World Dominion and the original Jurassic Park. Namely the evolution of technology.

At the time of filming Jurassic Park “The technology was just being born, luckily for us and right when they wanted to do that movie, they were up and running before Dennis Muran from ILM said ‘Look what we’ve got here. I think we have a new way to do this.’ So with this [Jurassic World Dominion], the evolution of the technology has gone further” Goldblum shares.

Shooting the film reminded him of the first day on Jurassic Park

“…blinking eyes and breathing torso, but hidden, you couldn’t see them. So what you really saw was this triceratops that looked alive.”

Director Colin Trevorrow followed Steven Speildberg’s strategy of incorporating animatronics during some of the filming for a more authentic performance. This prompted Goldblum to reminisce on seeing the animatronics for the first time during the Jurassic Park filming.

“And then we come into this clearing later in the day, I think, and saw that first triceratops… that was one of those Oscar-winning Stan Winston creations that were being operated by several people blinking eyes and breathing torso, but hidden, you couldn’t see them. So what you really saw was this triceratops that looked alive.”

Jeff Goldblum at the “Jurassic World Dominion” photocall (Photo by Jeff Spicer/Getty Images for Universal Pictures and Amblin Entertainment)

Confident and relaxed Goldblum no longer feels a traditional sense of nervousness. However, he reflects on still feeling an ‘alertness’ during the filming of Jurassic World Dominion. Aware of the responsibility to create something satisfying for an audience invested in the story.

“I was alert, I wouldn’t say it’s an adjacent, it’s a sister of nervousness – alert. Which is sort of like the first time working with Steven Spielberg – ‘Can I do this?’ That’s a different kind of alertness but similar… but the same kind of ‘Gee, I hope this works.”

Read more of our interviews here…

Ultimately, the ‘Jurassic’ series has changed Goldblum’s life

The friendships Goldblum made with Dern and Neill through Jurassic Park, changed his life. He also takes with him the experience of working with the other actors, and Steven Spielberg.

“Our friendships, the people I work with most of all, like they say in that play ‘Wicked’, you know – you make a change to my heart, you made an imprint on my heart, and that will be there forever.” He says “That’s something I’ll take forever, the people I worked with and the experience of working with Steven Spielberg and Richard Attenborough and Bob Peck and everybody else – Laura and Sam, sorry for getting choked up. Sorry, that’s the main thing.”

Jeff Goldblum and Laura Dern (Photo by Nicky J Sims/Getty Images for Universal Pictures and Amblin Entertainment )

Along with friendships, Goldblum takes some of the ideas and concepts from the movie with him, like Chaos Theory. The scientific theory that his character Ian Malcolm specialises in, and which Goldblum read about in preparation for his performance.

“The ideas in this movie are something that I find nutritious and worth ruminating on and trying to live up to.”

Goldblum feels his thinking is similar to that of his character, Ian Malcolm. “Me and Malcolm love science and scientific, pure achievement. But the use and misuse of it through ignorance and profit motive and selfish interest is, I’ll fight as long as there’s breath in my body.”

With such a popular and iconic series coming to an end, much like Goldblum, Dern, and Neill, fans of the Jurassic universe will be sure to enjoy the nostalgia of the original cast members. Seeing them reuniting on screen in this striking adventure-conclusion to the famous series.

At cinemas across the UK. To see more about Jurassic World Dominion, visit the official Jurassic World page.

Lana Hall

Lana can usually be found spinning her collection of records, or writing odd poems in her phone notes. Her mixer of choice is a ginger beer, and you’ll never find her away from the sea for more than a few weeks.

The post The Jurassic journey – interview with Jeff Goldblum appeared first on Silver Magazine.

Style icons such as David Niven and Ronald Coleman, usually swaddled in dashing winter wear for photographs, provide little guidance for sartorial holiday wear for chaps.

What we do know is that the winter layering process must be stripped down in balmier climes. Wearing fewer layers requires more thought, as each of those fewer layers must be the sine qua non of their function.

How to pare to the bone

You may only have space for one jacket in your luggage, so make sure it will cover all eventualities – including feeling rather warm under the collar. The temptation may be to ‘go native’ and loaf about in khaki shorts, flip-flops, and a T-shirt. This, for a chap, would be a dereliction of duty, a sop to the multitude.

If the clobber outlined below sounds like it will need several trunks to be transported, the answer is to wear the main components on the journey and fill your hand luggage with the rest of the lighter items. It is perfectly plausible to visit a hot country, including the UK with its legendary three-day heatwaves, in an ensemble that not only prevents one from slowly melting in the midday sun, but which displays gentlemanly sartorial credentials.

You never know; a chance encounter with a stray countess at the beach bar may lead to an invitation to a cocktail party, and that’s where your flip-flops would severely let you down.

More – see Autumn wear from Gustav

Footwear

A word of warning to the travelling chap, whether to foreign climes or the English Riviera: you are very likely to encounter the shoeless. While exterior temperatures will, it must be admitted, preclude the full brogue boot on the beach, there is no need to allow standards to drop as low as the flip-flop.

Even the popular Birkenstock sandal flies dangerously close to being infra dig. Why would a grown man wish to be shod like a five-year-old boy? It is worth adding that there is no known trouser that looks good with such a scandalous sandal.

“…there is no need to allow standards to drop as low as the flip-flop.”

Grenson has produced the Quincy Sandal, priced at £180, based on those available in most traditional shoe shops in southern Europe, which at least covers the toes and the heel. A more economical pair, the Angulus, is available at £116.

For a shoe that one could actually enter a restaurant wearing, saddle shoes are another light option. Rocket Originals and Collectif make them for men, priced at £99 and £95 respectively. Loafers also cut the mustard. Jones the Bootmaker makes an acceptable penny loafer for £89, and don’t forget to stick a penny into the upper for that preppy detail. But don’t go too preppy and wear them without socks. Only an aged Italian rogue can get away with this look.

Grenson Quincy Sandal, £180

Trousers

Lightness of cloth is paramount when strolling about during the passeggiata hour; but so too is lightness of colour, especially if wearing a dark blazer.

Although sartorial rules dictate that one’s trousers should always be darker than one’s jacket, the Riviera look is the exception, and obeys the light chino/dark blazer diktat. For the vintage look, Darcy Clothing offer a lightweight cotton moleskin cricket trouser at £86, while those unafraid to clothe their pins in a more contemporary silhouette can head straight over to Spoke London for a pair of their cotton lightweights at £99. Walker Slater’s linen pantaloons are also worth a try, especially their Edward Trousers at £145, for which the matching jacket may also be acquired.

Spoke London trousers, £99

Shirt

If (or rather, because) you are wearing a jacket or blazer, this is very likely to be removed when the sun is high in the sky, so opt for something that tells its own story, such as this navy striped linen shirt from Sirplus, priced at £95. This company also makes short-sleeved shirts, which may be necessary in the tropics, such as a yellow Tencel Cuban shirt in cotton, £95. Under no circumstances is it acceptable to wear a Hawaiian shirt; unless you have been invited to a fancy-dress party while on your hols.

Sirplus linen shirt, £95

Jacket

This will be your most essential item, as you will need it for the journey abroad, so as many pockets as possible is a prerequisite for all the millions of forms, vaccine certificates et cetera you will need to present at the airport.

For a lightweight cotton twill jacket, Universal Works presents the most favourable option, the London jacket, £175, which boasts a total of five pockets, including one for a pocket square. It comes in colours ranging from cream to dark navy.

Walker Slater’s collaboration with The Chap resulted in the Chap Linen Suit (jacket £245, as worn by yours truly, pictured). A cream linen three-piece suit is the ideal garment in which to saunter about the summer streets of any resort in the world. The cut of the jacket gives a relaxed fit with soft shoulders, a single vent, two flap pockets and a breast pocket and three-button fastening. The lightweight satin viscose part-lining ensures further relaxation potential when temperatures begin to soar.

The Chap linen suit, jacket £245

Neckwear

It is around the throat that a chap may display his dandy credentials most effectively, and the least sweltering neck adornment is of course the cravat.

The more sartorially adventurous may wish to brave the foulard, or neckerchief, for a slightly more playboy look. Geoff Stocker has turned his pocket square skills to what he has named a bandana, in 30% silk and 70% cotton, measuring 24 inches on each side. It is designed to be thrown around the throat carelessly, so that it flaps in the breeze and pretty ladies can spot one from a distance. It is appropriately called ‘The Waking Dream’ and costs £85. The Chap cravat, £35, based on the peacock pocket square, will liven up any plain shirt with its splashes of purple, aquamarine and burgundy.

Geoff Stocker cravat, £85

Headwear

A Panama is clearly the only acceptable option for sultry climes, and Pachacuti make the highest grade, peddled from a website site called www.panamas.co.uk. Prices for their ethically produced Ecuadorean Panamas range from £85 to £320, but their prices reflect a product built to survive the fierce summers and tropical downpours of equatorial regions.

“…the main purpose of wearing a Panama is to advertise that a British gentleman is in town, but if you wish to rule out every last shred of uncertainty, then wear a straw boater.”

Olney’s Panamas are more affordable, starting at £60 for a white one with a traditional black band – a tradition that began with the death of Queen Victoria and never stopped. Of course, the main purpose of wearing a Panama is to advertise to the other tourists that a British gentleman is in town, but if you wish to rule out every last shred of uncertainty, then wear a straw boater.

Sunglasses

Probably the most important accessory to pack is one’s lunettes de soleil, for without these you will be so blinded by the sunlight that admiring glances from the local populace will go unnoticed.

Why are decent sunglasses, or spectacles for that matter, so darned expensive? Nobody knows, but the answer is not to grab a cheap pair at the airport. Kirk Originals‘ Warwick in amber tortoiseshell with dark green lenses will set you back £225, but you will never grow out of them.

The more economical option comes from Dead Men’s Spex, whose range is so vast – and helpfully categorised by decade – that you are likely to find something similar to those you covet elsewhere, at a much more affordable price. Their Classic American Atomic Age frames in black acetate frame with metal brow detailing are £60, plus £45 for non-prescription polarised lenses.

Kirk Originals Warwick sunglasses, £22

Socks

You could try strutting about in a pair of loafers or deck shoes without socks, but this will not mark you out as a man of style, and certainly not as a British gentleman. The lightest socks on the market that eschew any absurd patterns or motifs are from Dueple (dueplesocks.com), who also make rather fetching ribbed socks for winter. Their Fine Guage 220 Needle Socks, £9.90, come in a huge range of plain bold colours, as well as white or black.

Gustav Temple has been editor of The Chap Magazine – Britain’s longest-serving gentleman’s quarterly – for 20 years.

Gustav Temple

The post Sartorial holiday wear for chaps appeared first on Silver Magazine.

Nootropics are – according to Wikipedia – “drugs, supplements and other substances that are claimed to improve cognitive function, particularly executive functions, memory, creativity or motivation in healthy individuals.” The word ‘claimed’ is doing a lot of heavy lifting in that sentence. So do nootropics actually work?

…the target market is old timers who are hoping to regain a fraction of the wakefulness and mental grip we took for granted not so long ago.

Lately, a number of beautifully packaged and branded sub-pharmacological propositions are being marketed at silver panthers, or whatever the marketing goons are calling the 50+ demographic this week. Basically, the target market is old timers who are hoping to regain a fraction of the wakefulness and mental grip we took for granted not so long ago.

I wanted to find out if these non-prescription novelties worked. I am 56, and general wear and tear is setting in.

Memory is a thing I remember fondly

This getting-old lark doesn’t sound so bad if you can laugh at yourself, I had thought, expecting it to start happening when I was 70. But no, it kicked in at 54. Suddenly, I was unable to ascend the stairs without blood draining from the brain to such a degree that I forgot the word ‘scissors’ long enough to remember that that’s why I went upstairs in the first place.

Two flights of stairs to the attic room and I was wiped clean. I could barely remember what year it was let alone the purpose of the mission. I had to stick a list of things I might go upstairs for to the landing wall. But I couldn’t read it because I lost my glasses. So I’d look for clues and spot a cup of tea I made half an hour earlier from a previous futile expedition upstairs.

This getting-old lark doesn’t sound so bad if you can laugh at yourself, I had thought, expecting it to start happening when I was 70. But no, it kicked in at 54.

The tea would be cold, most likely with an insect floating on the surface, but still look drinkable. So I’d take the tea downstairs, scoop out the fatality, and pop it in the microwave so my spirits would be revived and I could start again. Because – obviously – I’d rather take a layer of skin off my lower lip than admit defeat and waste 4p on a new teabag.

Halfway down the stairs, I’d congratulate myself for my economic insight. Perhaps I could share the tip with Martin Lewis at MoneySavingExpert.com. ‘Save money on hot drinks by sweeping the house for half-finished mugs of forgotten tea whenever you go upstairs’.

A never-ending cycle

Lost in this reverie, I failed to notice the cat asleep on the ninth step. Five years ago, my wife bought the cat in a conspiracy with the kids. I assume they chose it deliberately to blend in with the stair carpet. If not, it really is the most extraordinary coincidence. I wouldn’t be surprised if she took a swatch to the breeders to get a good match.

“That’s the colour and the pile I want! If he is going to trip and fall to his death, it needs to look plausible,” she would have said, while cheerfully packing the feline into the car.

I have not yet fallen to my death, but I have had a few close calls. It is at best very unsettling when a step gets up and bolts from beneath your feet, leaving you grasping the banister, heart thumping, system surging with cortisol and adrenaline. This is when I need a biscuit with my tea. I look for the biscuits in the kitchen – and there they are in a sealed packet. That’s why I was looking for the scissors! That cycle can go on for hours. Up and down the stairs, in and out of rooms, back to the kitchen, open the microwave, find another forgotten cup of tea…

Searching for a remedy

It is enough to drive you insane – and into the arms of snake oil salesmen, offering you a return to your scissor-sharp mind. So courtesy of Silver Magazine, I received taster packs of such products. Dr. Vegan offers Vegan Minds pills for memory and focus and Stay Calm pills to manage stress and anxiety. These were to be taken with food, which in my case often means burgers, bacon, or fish, but Dr. Vegan did not specifically counsel against meat-eating, except as a general moral principle.

Noggin meanwhile offers uppers and downers called Oomph and Pause (rather than Oomph and ‘00 mph’, which would have pleased me, but probably lost sales). These had a slightly more impressive list of ingredients than the vegan option – lion’s mane mushroom, rhodiola rosea extract and magnesium, alongside the usual alphabetical suspects. Vegan Minds contains no Magnesium (OMG!) but did have something called ‘BacoMind’ which I hoped might be a concession to carnivores.

So, did they work?

Hard to say. Perhaps I should have set myself specific tasks to determine the enhancement of my cognitive capacities but my daily pandemic schedule – walking the dog, tinkering with copy and providing subordinate services to my wife who is the main breadwinner and Head of Household – is perhaps not the best test of a world class intellect.

But I didn’t feel myself undergoing the kind of transformation one sees depicted in movies by flickering digital code and bullets floating harmlessly past your head. To be fair, neither of them did any harm either. And seeing one’s urine turn the colour of lemon curd, as one’s kidneys frantically try to eject the excess minerals does at least remind you of your good intentions.

I was a poor judge of the third product. Centra Peak, another vitamin-and-mineral concoction, arrived in stylish, masculine navy and bronze packaging. It too has a strong ingredient game, with several unique elements with harvested-from-the-secrets-of-the-rainforest-sounding names. Mucuna pruriens alone is worth the price of admission.

But I cannot pronounce a verdict on Centra Peak because its USP is that it is a male vitality booster that will “enhance your testosterone production”. If it can do so, more power to its elbow. But I found that my testosterone was catastrophically low some years ago and have been on a proper testosterone replacement therapy programme ever since. My testosterone levels were those traditionally associated with an 80-year-old man.

Better the devil you know

As far as over the counter remedies go, however, do any of them give you the kick that a double shot of artisan Arabica – or even a heavy spoonful of instant – can? No, I am afraid not.

When it comes to delivering a cognitive boost, three simple, legal things have worked for me. One is caffeine, obviously, and I dose up on that regularly. I’m sorry to say the second one is nicotine. I don’t use it anymore. But nicotine is a proven, effective cognitive enhancer.

But the third and most surprising boost was changing my diet. Wheat-based foods – bread, pasta, biscuits, and pies – and all sugars are gone. I eat toast in the evening much as one might take sleeping pills.

We are all different and trial-and-error is the only way to find out what works for you. But anything that pretends to deliver the punch of a controlled substance, presented in a jar that looks tasteful on your spice rack, is probably worth taking with a significant pinch of flavour-enhancing sea minerals.

You can follow Simon on Twitter at: @TheSimonEvans

Wondering about vitamin supplements? Find out more here. 

silvermagazine

If you’d like to receive a regular mini-magazine direct to your inbox with a selection of editorial features to read at your leisure, please sign up for our newsletter. We also run the odd competition and offer and whatnot, and newsletter members get the heads-up first.

The post Simon Evans: do nootropics work? appeared first on Silver Magazine.

…THE NAKED TRUTH. OK Boomer, let’s find out exactly what you and Generation X are REALLY like…

The last fifty years have seen a seismic shift in our social patterns and behaviours. There’s been enormous development in technology, medicine, and wellbeing. We’ve walked on the moon, burnt bras, dropped acid, and danced all night. We’ve embraced punk and spiritualism in equal measures. Travelled the world, fought the winter of discontent and the poll tax, and so much more.

We asked you about absolutely everything, from sex, drugs, and rock’n’roll to religion, money, and family, and everything in between

When I was in my late 40s, I started to look at magazines that were aimed at my age group and beyond, and I was dismayed. How could we be so misunderstood? I couldn’t relate to the gentle (or genteel) content I understood was now apparently my destiny. I can’t knit to save my life, I don’t like cakes, and I still go to festivals. Where was my tribe?

It seems I was not alone, thank goodness. Mature people say they are patronised in the media and on television; they feel invisible, unseen. So I decided that someone should do something about it. And, well, if you want a job doing etc…

So we launched Silver.

From the get-go I knew we needed to understand our readers. And there’s only one way to do this – we asked you. We asked you about absolutely everything, from sex, drugs, and rock’n’roll to religion, money, and family, and everything in between. It was a massive survey, we asked upwards of 10,000 people to answer hundreds of questions. And my word, you came through. So here you are in all your glory. The naked truth…

THE SURVEY

We wanted to cover every aspect of people’s lives, but quickly found the survey became too long, so we broke it down into four parts. Nobody was going to make it to the end alive otherwise. The respondents were brilliant though; they completed around 95% of the whole four parts, with only a few questions skipped.

Pretty much each question ran ‘tick all that apply’. So if you’re reading the results and the various options come to more than 100%, that’s why.

SO WHO ARE YOU?

The majority of respondents (81%) were aged 50-69, with the biggest chunk aged 60-64. You’re mostly White British (81%) with the balance being from multiple other ethnicities, such as African Black, British Black and Asian, mixed race etc. This ethnic split represents the UK national average, or thereabouts. And as we pretty much expected, 78% of responders were female, with 20% being male, and 2% preferring not to say.

More than half of you have no religion. The highest score for those who were religious was for Christian denominations (33%), although in the ‘Other’ box there were quite a few who named spiritualism as a path. No Jedis apparently.

You’re largely a Conservative bunch, with blues taking 34% of the votes here. Labour second with 18%, Lib Dems at 14%, Greens 10% and SNP 4%. A further 20% of respondents felt unrepresented or preferred not to say.

AGEING AND AGEISM

Photo: Erika Szostak

We were thrilled at how positive the responses in this section were. A giant 70% of you are happy with the wisdom that age brings and following closely behind this is ‘being grateful to be here’, at 62%. More than half of you (52%) said that you’ve improved with age, and whilst there are a fair few people who are exhausted, 51% said they were excited to keep learning new things. And gratifyingly, nobody ticked the ‘I wish I was dead’ box.

Unfortunately, whilst you lot are mostly happy with your age, it seems like the rest of the world is still to catch up, as ageism is alive and kicking. At work and whilst job hunting were the main areas of concern, but every option received some votes, with respondents reporting ageism whilst shopping, in politics, within the family, and in social situations.

A few comments identified key issues – one respondent had been told they were too old for a mortgage, and another said they were fed up with receiving emails or marketing that was patronising, “… as if you get stupid as you age.”

YOUR HOPES AND DREAMS

Again, it’s a pretty upbeat outlook here. 15% of you have either met or exceeded your hopes and dreams, and a whopping 69% are mostly happy with life. ‘I have new goals, my priorities have changed’ drew a 58% result, and 24% said that although they hadn’t met their goals and dreams yet, they were still working on it. A contented 15% said though they hadn’t hit their life targets, they were ok with that and happy with their lot. 34% said that they were excited for their next adventure.

Only 6% said they hadn’t met their goals or dreams and were sad or angry about that, and just 2% of you said you’re not happy with your life.

FAMILY LIFE

A positive 45% of you said you felt valued as an elder in your family, and the same percentage said you had a happy family. It was encouraging to see just 5% reporting feeling overlooked or neglected, although that’s still 5%.

One respondent put it, “I am often expected to be the responsible one, but at the same time, my children and siblings don’t take any interest in my life.” And the same percentage (5%) said that their family was unhappy, with lots of drama. 20% of you with adult children said they were still living at home, bearing out our understanding that often, big kids just can’t afford to move out anymore.

Although lots of you have no pets, we are a nation of dog lovers – it’s official – with dogs drubbing cats 33% to 22%.

COSMETIC SURGERY

When it comes to aesthetics and cosmetic surgery, most of you (60%) haven’t had any work done, but unsurprisingly, most common is Botox and/or fillers. A small percentage (2%) had braved an actual facelift, but higher on the list were chemical peels and dental work.

Nearly 20% of respondents said they’d like to try some things but couldn’t afford them – and in the comments they drilled down further to specifics; bingo wings were a concern, breast surgery, scar removal, and hair removal/implants featured.

Photo: Erika Szostak

TRAVEL AND HOLIDAYS

When it comes to holidays, the majority of you head for a break once a year. Around a quarter of you have two holidays a year, and a meaty 10% go for three or more!

A staggering 100% of you take holidays in the UK. We’re not sure if that’s as a result of the pandemic or just a love of UKations. A bit of both perhaps. You like to travel with partners, with friends, and with family; you’re a sociable lot. Really interestingly, the option of leaping on a plane and working it all out when you get there (38%) beats package holidays (28%) and even the all-inclusive (33%).

Rail trips are popular, with standard rail and upmarket options like the Orient Express gathering a collective 25% of you, but cruises were surprisingly low at around 15%, easily beaten by coach trips, caravans and motorhomes, and even camping. Perhaps everyone is still a bit nervous of cruises?

TECH

You’re a tech-loving lot. 95% of you have a smartphone, over half of you have other mobile devices, and 32% love new gadgets. Tech in the home and the car is popular – which includes TVs, laptops, gaming consoles etc, and not one person ticked the ‘I hate tech’ box.

Most of you have no home adaptations, but interestingly, the two biggest hitters in the Homes section were CCTV and security systems.

MUSIC

Music is huge, with every single type of music getting votes. Rock, 70s, and 80s making the biggest numbers, but other notables were indie, 60s, classical, vintage, and jazz. Also house/dance music made a good show. Least favourite was folk music with just 10%, despite, as the great Louis Armstrong said: “All music is folk music. I ain’t never heard a horse sing a song.”

For live music, pub gigs and arena gigs are the most popular, and festivals are the third favourite option, with over a third of you still pulling on your sparkly wellies. Jazz clubs are also pretty popular, with just under 20% of you ticking this box.

Consuming music, and we’re back in the tech zone, with only 15% of you enjoying music on a traditional hi-fi. Spotify is the most popular channel, at 55%, just pipping radio at 50%. And how you listen to music is also techy – phone/headphones, laptop, Bluetooth speakers are all equally popular – and in the comments, Amazon Prime, Alexa, Sonos, internet radio and iPads all got a mention.

Both vinyl (20%) and CDs (30%) were still relatively popular though, with the CDs outperforming iTunes at 25%. Cassettes got a zero!

ENTERTAINMENT

Photo: Erika Szostak

When it comes to heading out, eating out is top of the list with 85% of you loving being fed. You also love to explore the UK – train trips, walking, visiting beaches, and sightseeing all got special mentions in the comments.

The biggies are museums, art galleries, National Trust venues and gardens, train trips, and visiting stately homes. Sporting events like football or rugby were lower down the list at around 10-15%, but that’s probably because of our female/male ratio of respondents.

Volunteering is on your list too, with most of you giving back to communities in the way of charity events, sponsored events, animal charities, and volunteering with vulnerable groups and people. The most popular option here was community gardening projects, at around 28%.

SOCIAL MEDIA

You love social media. Top of the list with 95% is WhatsApp, and Facebook second at 86%. An honestly surprising third place goes to YouTube, with 81% of you. Something we’d definitely like to look into more – are you watching music? Are you watching films and documentaries, or following influencers and bloggers? We shall explore further.

Of the other biggies, Instagram is next, with 57% of you using it, and Twitter comes in at 38%. Not one tick for TikTok.

The majority of you spend quite a lot of time online; more of you find content because you’re actually looking for it than because someone else has shared it. And about half of you read a news channel every day, with almost all of you choosing the BBC as your preferred option.

COMMUNICATION

90% of you like to text, but an encouraging 86% also still love meeting up in person. Phone calls beat video calls 67% to 43% – although the high number of video calls would seem from comments to be something new since lockdown; but an interesting quarter of you don’t like talking on the phone at all.

TV, RADIO, GAMING

No massive surprises here – drama, films, box sets, news, streaming services like Netflix etc – all popular. 20% of you are still making it out to the flicks. 5% don’t watch TV at all.

When it comes to radio, 80% are tuning in, but an interesting 35% are now into listening to podcasts, citing ‘chit-chat’ as something they like. Comedy takes top billing here, at 55%, but drama, plays, science, and news all popular. Quizzes got a special mention in the comments a couple of times. Overall radio and podcasts are alive and kicking.

Not massively popular, gaming. 35% of you are happy to play games on your phones but wouldn’t sit at a desk or monitor to play something more committed. 50% of you actively rejected gaming. We had one lovely commenter who said they had a favourite game, which was Lexulous (a crossword game) and we wondered if responders were thinking things like World of Warcraft or GTA as ‘gaming’, rather than quizzes or Scrabble or so on.

HOBBIES AND CRAFTS

Unsurprisingly plenty of you love crafting and hobbies, apparently unless it’s model building, playing an instrument, stamp collecting, or train spotting!

There were so many choices I’ll just pick out some of the notable results: top of the list at 67% was reading books in print; then walking/rambling (57%); surprisingly, cookery was next at 53%; making art such as painting, drawing, and sculpture was then joint with reading books on a device, both at 43%; and crafts such as knitting, crochet etc were around the same as dancing, wine tasting and gardening. And I’ve got to tell you this – we had one dogger. If you don’t know what that is, google it, but brace yourself.

FASHION

When it comes to brands, around 40% said they don’t care about fancy brands, and the biggest box ticked was the ‘mixed bag’ at 50%; the bag being a mixture of high end, cheap and cheerful, and second-hand.

You love to get dressed up, but prefer a reason for doing so, like a lunch, or special outing. When you’re at home it’s comfy clothes, but 10% of you never leave the house without looking immaculate. When it comes to choosing clothing and jewellery, you definitely look for quality. Aside from all the glamourous lot though, there’s about 27% of you who just don’t give a fig about this sort of thing anymore.

SEX AND SEXUALITY

Photo: Erika Szostak

Surveys can often throw out surprising outcomes and this one is no exception; 91% of respondents selected ‘straight’ for sexual orientation. 5% are bisexual, 4% are asexual, 2% chose ‘other’… but nobody ticked ‘gay’.

However, a not insignificant 17.5% skipped this question, which has intrigued us, especially as respondents had the option of ticking the ‘none of your damn business’ box but nobody did.

Are there gay people who have been traumatized by homophobic abuse or a lack of acceptance and still feel under threat? More research is required here, and in the meantime, we are committed to including powerful gay voices in Silver.

We’ve got 64% who masturbate, and 38% describing themselves as ‘sexually adventurous’. Almost a quarter of you use sex toys (23%) or porn (22%) either during masturbation or with a partner, 11% have tried or continue to partake in BDSM activities and enjoy it, while 5.66% gave BDSM a go but didn’t like it.

11% of you have tried sex parties or orgies, while 4% are active swingers. Engagine with sex workers is low on the agenda, with just under 2% having seen a sex worker in the past, and nobody saying they currently see one.

RELATIONSHIPS

Around 80% of you are in some kind of monogamous relationship. None of our respondents identify as being polyamorous, or in an open or kinky lifestyle relationship, but 2% have a casual ‘friends-with-benefits’ arrangement. When one includes the sex responses above, it’s clear there are a lot of couples still very active and adventurous in bed. Although perhaps not even in the actual bed, by the sounds of it! You frisky lot.

SEXUAL ASSAULT

As ever, the figures on sexual assault make difficult reading. Nearly half of you have experienced some kind of sexual abuse or assault. 35% have been raped or subjected to sexual abuse by someone known to them, and 17% have experienced this at the hands of a stranger.

Just over half (51%) said there should be more conversation about these issues, although 10% say they still feel awkward talking about it with family and friends. About a quarter of you (22%) believe we are finally talking enough. Only 2% think we talk too much about sexual assault and domestic violence, and 4% take what is probably a fringe view these days, which is that it’s a private matter that should stay private.

MENOPAUSE

Plenty of people (40%) think that menopause issues should be discussed more openly. A further 29% think we have come a long way, but there is still a way to go.

There is an entirely expected range of responses to the question about how the menopause is going/how it went. 38% say that it’s not the best but it isn’t the worst either, 19% said it was better than they thought it would be, 8% said it didn’t affect them that much, and 12% are really suffering, saying they couldn’t or cannot cope, and the experience was, or is, ‘awful’.

Photo: Erika Szostak

So how is everyone coping? HRT is the most popular at 34%, followed by exercise (23%), natural supplements (17%), lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking or cutting out the booze (17%), taking antidepressants (12%), and diet change (13%).

Then we asked the men about their experiences of living with menopausal women. A whopping 82% said this question was not applicable to them. Thankfully none of them said they didn’t care because it was ‘her problem’, and over half were sympathetic and supportive. 2% said the menopause had changed the dynamic of the relationship and their lives quite a bit.

EXERCISE

Among the responses, there were cyclists, skateboarders and rollerskaters, snowboarders, skiers and climbers, and Zumba fans. But by far the most popular form of exercise at 43% was dog-walking.

We also have plenty of gym junkies, and yoga and Pilate’s devotees (26%). Nobody ticked the ‘marathon/distance running’ box, which surprised us. And in the comments section, we had plenty of people pipe up with the activities that we missed on the (already long!) list of options, such as canoeing, canyoning, trekking, rambling, hiking, serious gardening, Powerplate, wing chun, boxing, and, most excellently, ‘mosh pit at gigs’.

COVID

Nearly a quarter of you (24%) have had Covid, and 63% know someone who has had Covid. Of these, sadly, 18% died.

There isn’t much scepticism about vaccines or the effectiveness of lockdowns among our readers, with 86% having the vaccine. Only 2% have refused, and a small 4% don’t think Covid is as serious as most people think it is.

55% think Covid is more serious than most people think it is, and 45% are not sure if we should be going back to normal. Just 8% think restrictions should have been lifted months ago.

ALCOHOL

Next, we raise a glass of our preferred beverages. 43% still love a drink while 12% are teetotal and 4% count themselves as being in recovery. 37% describe themselves as ‘social drinkers’, and 29% say they drink rarely.

But a proportion of you do have concerns about your alcohol intake with 6% worried about their drinking and the behaviour that this can lead to, and 4% are concerned they might be an alcoholic.

RECREATIONAL DRUGS

14% of you smoke weed. Cocaine, a prolific powder for many of us in the 80s and 90s, is still taken by 8%, while 12% take amphetamines and 6% take hallucinogens.

Although 42% don’t do drugs at all now, 24% said they used to. One respondent gave us a detailed history: “I tried everything that was available before I cut out drink and weed in the early 2000s. I sometimes take edibles and have tried microdosing.”

Then there was this intriguing litany: “Not for many years, but largely MDMA/ecstasy, cocaine, hash, skunk, LSD, mushrooms, speed, opium – and a stint of recreational Voltarol.”

Voltarol?!

Photo: Erika Szostak

MENTAL HEALTH

Mental health has rightly become a more mainstream discussion, and this is reflected by the 59% who say they take mental health seriously. One respondent said they take mental health seriously but find it hard to take care of it. 8% identified as neurodivergent and the comments made it clear that more conversation is needed around this.

There’s a range of in-between attitudes to all mental health conditions, but 8% still say a stoic attitude and stiff upper lip is more beneficial for coping.

PHYSICAL HEALTH

Hearts, hearing, and mobility unsurprisingly feature high, but chronic fatigue – post-viral or otherwise – fibromyalgia, and mental health were all flagged up.

22% said they have a disability, which for the purposes of this survey includes hidden disabilities. In the comments, people shared their disabilities and health issues, which included Type 2 diabetes, thyroid conditions, depression, anxiety and chronic fatigue from cancer treatment, fibromyalgia, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure.

Stereotypes about terrible British teeth may be overstated with 71% of people taking good care of their teeth, although 22% can’t remember when they last saw a dentist.

Eyesight is important to most of you, with 78% going to the optician regularly, although 10% have been wearing the same specs for a decade!

TREATMENTS AND THERAPIES

Nearly half of you like some quality salon time with 47% enjoying treatments such as manicures, pedicures, and trips to the hairdresser, while 41% are soap-and-water kinda people with occasional treats. When it comes to self-care, 33% like to spoil themselves with nice products, 20% can’t be bothered, and, somewhat depressingly, 4% don’t think they deserve nice things.

Our survey found massage to be the most popular alternative therapy at 51%. Meditation came in second at 46%. Outliers in the survey included psychedelics/microdosing, touch therapy, and eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR).

“I have seen osteopaths and chiropractors in the past with good effect. Acupuncture and EMDR were less useful, but I used EMDR to good effect via YouTube when my dog died,” said one responder.

MENTAL HEALTH THERAPY

There’s a positive attitude here, reflected in the survey results with 76% of you having seen a therapist or counsellor in the past, 4.5% currently seeing a therapist or counsellor, and a further 4.5% planning to do so. However, the survey also found that 13.33% don’t believe in therapy.

RETIREMENT

Everyone wants to retire. Almost a third of you (31.6%) have retired and another 31.6% are planning to do so in the next five years. A further 21% have started thinking about their retirement. And we’re really feeling the 16% who wish they could retire.

MIDLIFE CRISIS

This section elicited the biggest response, with nearly half sure or thinking they’ve had a midlife crisis. And yes, there were flashy cars and expensive holiday homes.

But a very definite 52.63% told us they have not gone through a midlife crisis. That said, 32% called for it to be seen as a positive thing, and nearly half said it was not a joke.

The causes of a midlife crisis are many and varied. The main cause was the physical changes of ageing (83%), as well as not feeling attractive anymore (56%).

Children leaving the nest, not feeling fulfilled with life, not feeling relevant in the world, and/or not feeling content in a marriage or relationship are all factors. Looking back over one’s career is another cause, including not achieving career goals (28%), and almost the same number hating their job and simply wanting a change.

7% filed for divorce, sold things to fund a lifestyle change, found a new partner, or specifically started a relationship with a younger person. In the comments, both traveling and going out partying again was mentioned as a way of recapturing that feeling of youth.

There are optimists too, such as the person who “did get divorced in my early 50s and have been happier since”, the woman who became “a happier person” after divorcing her husband, and the cheerful soul who described this time as “not a crisis, a rediscovery of self”.

ARE YOU HAPPY?

When we asked this, we got a range of responses. It’s not all joy and optimism – 33.33% worry about the future, 17% feel anxious, and 11% feel like an imposter whose life is not the one they planned out for themselves. 11% are eager to get midlife over and done with, and 6% are either angry, depressed, or bored.

However, to end on a positive note, more than 80% of you are largely happy, with 39% looking forward to what the future brings.

Tl;dr

If this has been way too long to read, here’s a quick recap of the things that stood out.

• You’re largely a positive lot
• Most of you feel valued by your family
• You love tech
• YouTube is surprisingly popular
• You’re a sexy bunch
• Spiritualism is popular
• Mental and physical health is taken seriously
• Home security is important
• Over a third of you are embracing podcasts
• Midlife crises should be taken more seriously
• One of you enjoys dogging

Credits for the Naked Truth shoot

Photographer: Erika Szostak
Photography assistant: Matt Ryan
Hair and makeup: LoveYoHair
Models: Adrian Southby, Bella Kirkus, Lesley Burdett
Shot on location: Copperdollar Studios, Brighton

Sam Harrington-Lowe

Sam is Silver’s founder and editor-in-chief. She’s largely responsible for organising all the things, but still finds time to do the odd bit of writing. Not enough though. Send help.

The post The Naked Truth. What is Generation X really like? appeared first on Silver Magazine.

What is Polari? Sometimes spelled ‘palare’ from the Italian ‘to talk’, it’s a form of slang most commonly associated with gay men, used more widely during the days when male homosexuality was against the law.

The language itself has diverse origins – a combination of Italian and Romantic roots, Romany, backslang (saying things backwards), Yiddish, Cockney, and other street and sailor slang, mostly from London.

The point of Polari was, largely, to avoid the law knowing what the hell you were talking about

The point of Polari was, largely, to avoid the law knowing what the hell you were talking about or getting up to. And so to keep ahead of intelligence, the language was a constantly evolving thing, staying one step ahead. Many of the words have made their way into common parlance.

In 2021, Polari lives on as the inspiration for literary events and awards where the focus is very much on inclusivity. Polari is still relevant and part of our history. Although gay rights have come far in the UK, there is still a way to go.

The origins of Polari

The origins are complex. At various times, circus folk, sailors, Romany gypsies and other social outsiders spoke Polari, but it’s most commonly associated with gay men. In the 1960s, it was popularised by Kenneth Williams and Hugh Paddick as camp comedy couple Julian and Sandy on the BBC radio show Round the Horne. Their conversation was laced with sexual innuendo and made regular use of Polari.

They used slang like ‘bona lallies’, which means ‘nice legs’, and ‘dolly eke’, which means ‘handsome face’, in a knowing way that many gay listeners of the time would have recognised.

Other cultural icons using Polari

When David Bowie launched his Ziggy Stardust character and album in 1972, he gave a famous interview to Melody Maker. He camped it up outrageously, claimed he was gay and spoke in Polari to prove his queer credentials; despite being married with a child. His final album Blackstar also contains elements of Polari on the track Girl Loves Me.

Polari was vital to the gay community until very recently

Polari is sometimes referred to as ‘the lost language of gay men’. It was most popular after WWII and before the 1967 Sexual Offences Act, when male homosexuality was against the law.

You could be fired from your job or refused accommodation simply for being gay.

Thousands of gay and bisexual men were imprisoned for consensual sex acts. Men used Polari as a coded way of communicating with each other at a time when being openly homosexual carried the risk of arrest.

There are words that have made it into common parlance, used to this day. Like ‘naff’, which originally meant ‘straight’ or ‘Not Available For Fucking’.

The 1967 Sexual Offences Act was a watershed moment, but…

Contrary to popular belief, the act didn’t actually make gay sex legal. It only decriminalised it under certain circumstances. The age of consent for gay men was set at 21, compared to 16 for heterosexuals. Homosexual acts were tolerated, providing they took place in private and no more than two people were present.

The freedom that straight people take for granted weren’t afforded to us. If a nosy neighbour spotted two men kissing – inside their own home – and reported them to the police, they could be charged with a public disorder offence. You could be fired from your job or refused accommodation simply for being gay.

It’s worth remembering that this remained the case until a mere 20 years ago. Public displays of affection could, and often did, still lead to arrest.

Astonishingly, the specifically gay crime of ‘gross indecency’, for which Oscar Wilde was imprisoned more than a century ago, remained in law until as recently as 2003. These days we have an equal age of consent, partnership rights and employment rights. All of these things were unthinkable back in 1967.

It is easier to be a gay man in the UK today, but again…

A lot might have changed since 1967, but homophobia hasn’t gone away. It still isn’t safe to walk the streets holding your partner’s hand, or look a certain way. There’s always an element of risk involved.

In the last year there’ve been violent homophobic attacks on gay men in Birmingham, Edinburgh, Manchester, Liverpool, and London. A friend of mine was attacked in Brighton. I’ve been assaulted many times in London. It’s easier now than it used to be but it’s still far from ideal.

It’s always been harder for lesbians

They weren’t criminalised the way gay men were, but they did face persecution and were often invisible in a way gay men weren’t. And the notorious Section 28 affected lesbians just as much as gay men, by describing relationships as ‘pretended family relationships’ and making any discussion of our lives during sex education lessons unlawful.

…it’s important for gay men to support our lesbian sisters, just as they supported us during the AIDS crisis

Many young people who grew up lesbian or gay were taught that it was shameful.

Lesbians were at the forefront of the fight against Section 28 and heavily involved in AIDS activism – a fact often glossed over or forgotten. As women, lesbians are doubly oppressed as they also don’t enjoy male privilege. And misogyny and sexism aren’t the exclusive preserve of straight men; some gay men can be just as bad.

These days, there are very few lesbian-only social spaces left. And sadly disputes between some sections of the lesbian community and some trans activists have led to a lot of animosity and division.

I fully support trans rights. And I also think it’s important for gay men to support our lesbian sisters, just as they supported us during the AIDS crisis. In fact, I consider it my moral duty.

I celebrate Polari to keep history alive

I created a live event, a literary salon, to help celebrate and explore the language. Polari is a live showcase for LGBTQ literary talent. It started in 2007 in Soho, London, and grew quickly. We’re currently based at the Southbank Centre, and tour regularly, thanks to Arts Council funding.

I think of it as a cabaret or variety show in which all the acts are writers of one kind or another – authors, poets, spoken word performers. It’s very diverse and very inclusive. Everyone is welcome, regardless of gender or sexuality. And we run two book prizes, for debut and established LGBTQ writers; it’s the only such prize in the UK. And we’ve been touring the UK, as we have every year since 2014.

For more information about Polari events: www.polarisalon.com

 @paulburston

Polari words still in common parlance…

Bevvy: drink
Bijou: small
Butch: masculine; masculine lesbian
Camp: effeminate (origin: kamp = known as male prostitute)
Carsey: toilet, also spelt khazi
Crimper: hairdresser
Dish: an attractive male; buttocks
Dizzy: scatterbrained
Drag: clothes, especially women’s clothes
Fruit: queen
Mince: walk (affectedly)
Naff: bad, drab
Scarper: to run off
Scotch: leg (scotch peg)
Slap: makeup
Trade: sex
Troll: to walk about (especially looking for trade)

Paul Burston

Author of six novels including The Closer I Get. Memoir We Can Be Heroes published June 2023. Founder of Polari literary salon and the Polari Book Prize for LGBTQ+ writing. Born in York, raised in Wales, now based in London and Hastings.

The post Polari, Britain’s secret gay language and its influence today appeared first on Silver Magazine.

In some quarters it is believed that when a person passes the half century, all attempts to be stylish should be abandoned in favour of comfortable, practical, and often beige clothing. This is of course a complete travesty, as proved by these fellows sporting their looks on Instagram.

Show your true colours; purchase that racy pocket square you always fancied but never dared to wear when 25. Wear a selection of hats that replace a bald pate or greying locks with aplomb. Also perfect for you to doff elegantly when the mood takes you.

Get ready for the cooler months

As the seasons pass (and Christmas looms, egad), one must up one’s game in the face of the sartorial peccadilloes about to be unleashed. Yes, I’m talking about those dreary outdoor togs, ‘ironically’ worn snowflake jumpers, and woolly hats with antlers.

A chap approaches all events and occasions spreading awe via a sensational wardrobe. It’s the perfect opportunity to raise your sartorial game a notch or two. Those cherry-red trousers you never find the nerve to wear. That midnight blue dinner jacket with shawl lapels can be livened up with a colourful pocket square instead of the standard white. Yes chaps, unleash the inner dandy, and step forth.

More from Gustav – still looking for new summer togs or going on holiday?

CHAP PICKS

1. A bow tie from La Bowtique
These are hand-made adornments with a touch of flamboyance. Even their standard black tie is slightly larger than average.
From £150 Instagram: @labowtique

2. A Chap silk pocket square
A must-have to finish any chap’s outfit. This Absinthe-green pure silk pocket square is versatile and can be worn in a number of ways, producing entirely different variations to suit one’s mood.
£25 www.thechap.co.uk

3. Long scarf, autumn is on the horizon
Dress like a duke… accessorise like an anarchist. Furious Goose long scarves keep the cold weather at bay. Autumn Hare design
£290 www.furiousgoose.co.uk

4. Raffish titfer
Launch yourself into the imminent party season by acquiring a brand new hat. Push the boat out with a trilby from Laird London.
Signature in burgundy, £230 www.lairdlondon.co.uk

5. Traditional tweeds
If you prefer a tweed cap, Sussex Tweed have opened up the range into bright estate tweeds and racy designs.
Limited edition tweed caps, £95 www.sussextweed.co.uk

6. Mad dogs and Englishmen…
Finally, be prepared for unexpected visits from maiden aunts. With no time to dress properly, you’ll need a dressing gown that screams Noel Coward.
Constellation dressing gown, £495 www.geoffstocker.com

Gustav Temple has been editor of The Chap Magazine – Britain’s longest-serving gentleman’s quarterly – for 20 years. The Chap aims to help men up their sartorial game. ‘Best of The Chap’ is a 300-page collection of the finest features from the last 20 years.
www.thechap.co.uk

silvermagazine

If you’d like to receive a regular mini-magazine direct to your inbox with a selection of editorial features to read at your leisure, please sign up for our newsletter. We also run the odd competition and offer and whatnot, and newsletter members get the heads-up first.

The post Sartorial elegance for chaps – what to wear to make a real impact appeared first on Silver Magazine.