I'm 54 years old now, and I'm in the best shape of my life since college days. I was always told that I was good-looking, had beautiful hair and eyes, but I never thought of myself as so. I was a chubby kid, and even after slimming down in high school and college I still had negative self issues. With that being said, I got married in college, immediately had my kids and settled down to the routine and boring life of a couch potato. Over the years I put on about 60 lbs and did not exercise at all so was totally out of shape. About 2 years ago, due to some health issues, I decided that I was going to get back in shape if possible.
Since then I have lost 35 lbs, lost 6 inches in my waist, I have a jawline instead of a double chin, and I feel like a different person. I look like I'm in my 50's, but I'm told how fit and in shape I look now. This has given me self-confidence that I've never really had, and I'm sure that has led to a completely different image that I portray to others.
As far as the aging process, I used to have really thick, long hair that I was proud of....I'm now bald. But I like the bald look I've got now that the weight is under control. Sometimes I'll see a guy my age that still has a really full head of hair and I'm fucking jealous, but truthfully, when I look in the mirror, I like the reflection, so it's not so bad.
The worst thing for me in aging has been the ED....I'm still a horny 18 year old in my head, but my body doesn't see it like that. I started having ED issues in my late 40's, and that sucks. I just recently found out that my dad went through the same thing at about the same stage in life and that he had a penis pump installed when he was my age (he's now 80 and just told me this). So I'm guessing that this can be partly hereditary, who knows? ED meds help, but I don't get the rock hard cock that I used to have even with them....so that really sucks.
So, with all that being said, my advice to you younger guys (and I've told my 3 sons-in-law this), do not let yourself go physically. It is so easy to get caught up in the world of work, family, kids, activities, etc. that it is easy to put other things first and to just stop caring about yourself physically. It has been hard as hell to get back into shape, and I'm not nearly where I want to be yet, but I wish I had never allowed myself to get as bad off as I did. As bigbucky said above, avoid excesses....I never smoked, but my friends that have smoked for years now look at least 10+ years older than me. I'm a sun addict, always by the pool in the summers, and never wore sunscreen. My skin is now paying the price for that, so if you want to look younger, use your sunscreen. And watch your weight...not only for health reasons, but thinner people just look younger and more alive and vital, whether that is a fair assessment or not. And above all, keep a positive outlook on life....the people I've come to know that are constantly negative and creating drama in their lives begin to show it in their faces and bodies...enjoy your life. I've found that no matter my age, I'm going to do what it takes to make it the best life that I can.