‘A Head-Spinning Day’: BBC Correspondent Brands Trump ‘Erratic’ For Ditching ‘Project Freedom’

A BBC correspondent branded Donald Trump “erratic” after he ditched his latest attempt to re-open the Strait of Hormuz barely a day after launching it.

The US president claimed he was temporarily ending Project Freedom “based on the request of Pakistan and other countries”.

He said it was being “paused for a short period of time” to see whether a peace deal could be agreed to end the war in Iran.

His comments, in a post on Truth Social, came just hours after US secretary of state Marco Rubio said Project Freedom was needed to save “23,000 civilians from 87 different countries that are trapped … and left for dead in the Persian Gulf.”

Iran has affectively closed the Strait of Hormuz – a vital waterway which carried one-fifth of the world’s oil supply before the war – since America and Israel started bombing the country on February 28.

Since then, more than 1,000 tankers have been left stranded in the region.

Trump announced at the weekend that the US Navy would “guide” stranded ships through the Strait.

However, only two made it through before he announced that Project Freedom was being halted.

On Radio 4′s Today programme on Wednesday, BBC US correspondent David Willis said: “What are we to make of all this? Well, Project Freedom had antagonised Iran, which had fired missiles and drones at US forces in the area.

“And Iran had threatened to effectively put an end to the fragile ceasefire by maintaining control of the Strait of Hormuz. Added to which it had only led to the passage of two merchant ships through the Strait, albeit it had only been in effect for a day.

“Did the US, I wonder, perhaps feel it was backfiring? We’ll have to wait and see.”

He added: ”[It has been] a head-spinning day even by Donald Trump’s somewhat erratic standards.

“The question now is where does this leave the 1,600 or so ships that remain stranded in the Strait of Hormuz, some of which have been there for getting on three months now.

“The US defence secretary, Pete Hegseth, said earlier that hundreds of commercial vessels were lining up to be guided through the Strait of Hormuz by the US navy. What happens to them now, and indeed the precious commodities such as oil and fertiliser that the US was also hoping to liberate?”

Subscribe to Commons People, the podcast that makes politics easy. Every week, Kevin Schofield and Kate Nicholson unpack the week’s biggest stories to keep you informed. Join us for straightforward analysis of what’s going on at Westminster.

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Common knee surgery found ineffective, may make things worse

A widely performed knee procedure known as partial meniscectomy may not deliver the benefits many patients expect. A major study with a 10-year follow-up has found that trimming a damaged meniscus does not improve symptoms or knee function when compared to a placebo procedure.

Partial meniscectomy is one of the most common orthopedic surgeries worldwide. While its use has declined in Finland in recent years, it remains a routine treatment in many countries.

10-Year Study Finds Worse Outcomes After Surgery

The long-term results paint a concerning picture. Patients who underwent partial meniscectomy did not experience better outcomes than those who had sham surgery. In fact, they tended to do worse.

After a decade, these patients reported more knee symptoms and poorer function. They also showed greater progression of osteoarthritis and were more likely to need additional knee surgery compared to those who did not receive the actual procedure.

Unique Trial Design Strengthens Findings

The Finnish Degenerative Meniscal Lesion Study (FIDELITY) stands out for its rigorous design. It included a sham surgery control group, allowing researchers to directly compare outcomes against a placebo procedure. Participants with degenerative meniscal tears were randomly assigned to receive either partial meniscectomy or sham surgery, and their progress was tracked for 10 years.

Teppo Järvinen, Professor at the University of Helsinki and the principal investigator of the FIDELITY emphasizes the broader significance of the results:

“Our findings suggest that this may be an example of what is known as a medical reversal, where broadly used therapy proves ineffective or even harmful.”

Rethinking the Cause of Knee Pain

The surgery has long been based on the idea that knee pain, especially on the inner side, is caused by a meniscus tear that can be fixed surgically. However, this assumption may not hold up.

“The surgery is based on the assumption that pain in the inside of the knee is caused by a medial meniscus tear, which can be treated surgically. Such reasoning — assumption based on biological credibility — is still very common in medicine but in this case, the assumption does not withstand critical examination. Based on current understanding, pain in various joints, such as the knee joint in this case, is related to degeneration brought about by aging,” says Raine Sihvonen, Specialist in Orthopaedics and Traumatology and the other principal investigator of the FIDELITY study.

Concerns About Risks and Long-Term Harm

Earlier registry and observational studies have already raised red flags about potential downsides of this surgery. These include a higher likelihood of arthroplasty, or joint replacement surgery, and a possible increase in complications after the procedure. However, observational data alone cannot prove cause and effect.

“Several randomized studies have already demonstrated that partial meniscectomy has not improved patients’ symptoms or function in the short (1-2 years) or medium (5 years) term. Regardless, the procedure has remained widely used in many countries,” says Doctoral Researcher and Specialist in Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Dr. Roope Kalske.

Why the Procedure Is Still Widely Used

Despite mounting evidence, changing clinical practice has been slow.

“For nearly a decade, many independent, non-orthopedic organizations providing clinical guidelines have recommended that the procedure should be discontinued. Still, for example, the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS) and the British Association for Surgery of the Knee (BASK) have continued to endorse the surgery.

“This effectively illustrates how difficult it is to give up inefficient therapies,” Järvinen sums up.

Strong Collaboration Behind the Study

The research was carried out across five hospitals, highlighting strong collaboration and patient commitment. Of the original 146 participants, more than 90% completed the final follow-up phase.

“The study conducted in five hospitals is an example of smooth multicenter collaboration, as well as the commitment of research patients to an interesting project. Of the original 146 participants, more than 90% took part in the final stage of the study,” says the research manager Pirjo Toivonen.

The Finnish Degenerative Meniscal Lesion Study FIDELITY) is part of the broader work of the FICEBO research group in assessing the impact of surgical therapies. The project is a collaboration between the university hospitals of Helsinki, Kuopio and Turku, Hatanpää Hospital in Tampere, Hospital Nova in Jyväskylä and the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare.

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Mums’ choir leader ‘baffled’ by park fee structure

A postnatal choir leader says professional dog walkers pay less to use the city’s parks.

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Yes, You Get Mustier With Age. Here’s The Full-Body Deodorant People In Their 50s And 60s Swear By.

It seems the older we get, the more our bodies surprise us in new, sometimes, not-so-exciting ways. If you notice your B.O. smelling different (i.e., worse) lately — research shows you’re not imagining it. But also? Folks dealing with the same thing say it’s probably going to be OK. Enter, a cream solution: If your regular deodorant is “no longer cutting it,” or if hot flashes make you sweaty and uncomfy, we found a whole body, cream deodorant that reviewers in their 50s, 60s and beyond swear by for nixing what you may hear referred to as “old person smell.” Even better? It’s currently 20% off for the first time since January.

Medical studies and previous HuffPost reporting confirm that age-related body smells are a real thing.

Our skin definitely changes as we age, producing different compounds that emit distinct odors, as Dr. Sonal Choudhary, a dermatologist at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, previously confirmed to HuffPost.“It’s a gradual process, not an instant switch. The intensity of the smell varies significantly from person to person, depending on genetics, skin type, lifestyle and environmental exposure.”

Dr. Choudhary continues that this is a completely common and normal thing, generally beginning after age 40.

Thankfully, so many reviewers experiencing this swear by Lume’s Whole Body Deodorant as a long-lasting fix.

“Wanting to ensure I didn’t give off that ‘I’m over 50 odor’ prompted me to try this product. It really works as advertised,” reviewer June noted.

June isn’t alone. Jane G., a 69-year-old shopper with the self-described “nose of a bloodhound,” reports recently noticing their own body odor. After trying Lume, they reported “total and absolutely no odor that day and even [the] next morning.”

“I have cut grass, weed whacked and still absolutely No odor. Only smell is an ever so slight coconut smell which is 100% improvement,” they wrote. “I’m a customer for life and have already shared with close friends! You will not be disappointed I promise. Worth every penny!!”

Unlike a traditional stick deodorant, this is a lotion-like cream, designed to block odors for up to 72 hours. It’s loaded with skin care ingredients like vitamin E, aloe, caffeine and exfoliating mandelic acid, to help even, brighten and soften skin as it disappears unwelcome body odor. And the scent options are plentiful. Think tangerine, vanilla, lavender, alpine and more. There’s even an unscented option.

“I hit my 50’s and my chemistry changed. Really glad I tried this brand…,” reviewer Pea Dot wrote about their unscented choice. “It’s working great and the skin under my arms feels amazing.”

People report that this deodorant helped address body odor changes sparked by various health conditions and lifestyle changes, too.

″…For whatever reason, menopause made me stink,” reviewer, CBL, wrote. ”…Bought it because nothing else worked…Anyway, I saw a difference IMMEDIATELY! No more self-consciousness…it was so good that I bought the acidified body wash and clean cotton deodorant wipes. They’re all great!”

One reviewer leans on Lume due to a medical condition that hinders daily bathing. “Be not afraid… Two days in and still no [odor],” they confirm.

The cream is especially loved by reviewers who find that their usual deodorants stopped working as well as they used to. You only need a pea-sized amount of the potent formula, which dries clear after 5 seconds of rubbing when applied to clean, dry skin.

“I don’t know if it’s getting older or what, but suddenly underarm deodorants etc. were failing me miserably. It’s like I was bitten by a stink bug or something,” one wrote.

“… Saw this two pack Lume and decided it was worth a shot. It’s a bit expensive, but boy is it worth it.”

Note that for higher success probability, it may take a beat for your body to adjust.

The brand recommends reapplying the cream frequently for the first week or two as your body adjusts, then using it as needed, as you would with a classic stick deodorant.

A reviewer in their 50s who’s tried all sorts of anti-odor products detailed their experience adjusting to Lume (which is worth the whole read, TBH).

″…Be aware that it might make all your dreams come true on the first try or it might take your body a little while to adapt to it…. give it a couple of tries,” they advise. ”… Sometimes things don’t work exactly as planned on the first try or in an overnight complete switch to a new product; sometimes it takes a few tries!”

Another plus: Though it’s not officially an antiperspirant, people praise it for all-over sweat control. (And we mean all over.)

Everyone’s body is different, but a ton of people swear it works on every region.

“I use it for under my boobs, my belly button, the creases of my legs, lady parts and butt crack,” one wrote of the deodorant cream. “It leaves you smelling like nothing!”

Another standout review dubbed the cream “just what the butt crack ordered.”

While the cream doesn’t officially have “sweat-stopping” ingredients, the brand says the formula has a specific acidity to hinder bacteria and absorb moisture without clogging pores, keeping you feeling dry and fresh.

“I’m an older lady (57) I get alot of hot flashes so I get very sweaty in all the wrong places … this stuff makes me smell FANTASTIC 100% of the time for a long long time,” one said. “I never have any oder anywhere! This is a must for all Women! And men too!”

Another reviewer jokes that it “only took me 61 years to find,” the Lume cream solution. “It controls sweat so good and keeps you dry that you could go several days without using more,” they wrote.

Something strong enough to prevent re-application for days is a tall, tall order and we bet that will vary person to person.

However, to get rid of that “old person smell” that, per experts, is definitely not just our imagination running away with us — we say this cream deodorant is worth grabbing while discounted. Want more deets? Check out the promising re”views below.

“Game changer!!! If you were unlucky enough to get stinky body odor like me, this stuff is a life changer. I’m not sure how to adequately described the stress that has been taken off of me in the summer. I can now go out and spend a whole day doing things and not have to worry about smelling bad. Also perfect for the office ladies who sit on vinyl chairs and have stinky lower regions.” — Michelle Richard

“I’ve spent 50 years trying to find something to address my astonishingly stinky feet, and absolutely nothing has worked. Until this. I rub a little dollop into each foot after showering and my feet simply don’t smell. For days! I tried it on my armpits and was less impressed, but the foot situation is amazing.” — Kim

I’m a 69 yr old female with the nose of a bloodhound. I can trail cigarette smoke thru a massive box store, detect a tiny gas leak and yes body odor which I have only recently experienced. I read the reviews, refrained from smelling when first opening and used (down below). Total and absolutely No odor that day and even next morning. I have cut grass, weed whacked and still absolutely No Odor. Only smell is an ever so slight coconut smell which is 100% improvement!! I’m a customer for life and have already shared with close friends! You will not be disappointed I promise. Worth every penny!! Oh and btw I have probably only sent in 2 or 3 reviews in my entire life. This product was worth my time in submitting this review!” — Jane Garrett

“As your chemistry changes so does your body odor. Wanting to ensure I didn’t give off that ‘I’m over 50 odor’ prompted me to try this product. It really works as advertised. I think I’m brave enough to try a scented version next!” — June T.

I love the smell and it works so good. It is the only kind I use now. Only took me 61 years to find it. It controls sweat so good and Kees you dry that You could go several days without using more.” — kathy h.

We know that no one likes talking about age-related body odors, so we’ll be quick. If cream deodorant isn’t your jam, peep three other finds reviewers love for banishing “old person smell,” courtesy of HuffPost Shopping.

Amazon

The original bar of Japanese persimmon soap to get rid of “old person smell”

Of course, we have to start with the soap that introduced us to the Mirai brand. The soap contains persimmon extract with more deodorizing tannins than competitors, as well as green tea extract, which is rich in antioxidants (declining skin antioxidants is one of the causes of “old person smell”). Reviewers claim that the soap’s odor elimination lasts for days, and you can use the bar on areas where nonenal odors are strongest, like the back of the neck and behind the ears.

You can find the soap in its original unscented form or with a calming lavender scent. Our recommendation? Buy it in bulk. Mirai currently sells a four-pack of the unscented version for just $60. With the single soap’s list price hovering just under $23, opting for the multipack makes each soap under $15. That’s much cheaper than re-buying a single unit each time you run out.

Amazon

A clarifying persimmon shampoo for nonenal scalp odor

Nonenal odor can accumulate on your scalp and in your hair, too, which this shampoo seeks to target. The clarifying formula is designed for mature hair and safe on color-treated locks, without sulfates, parabens or synthetic fragrances. It has the Japanese persimmon extract you’ll recognize from their soap, along with camellia oil and infused silk protein for shine, hydration and reduction of frizz. Some reviewers recommend letting the shampoo sit for a couple minutes before rinsing it off for best results. They also say that you only need to use a little at a time, which can make the relatively high cost go down a little easier.

Promising review: “My wife had been “noticing” that “old guy’s scent” on me and my clothing. After only a week using this she said there was a noticeable decrease, and now, a month later, she says it’s gone. The shampoo itself only takes a small squirt to work into a lot of lather. There’s no lotion-like residue that comes with regular shampoos, and no flowery perfume smells either. I’m going to be a repeat customer.” — Kindle Customer

Amazon

Some deodorizing persimmon body wipes you can keep in your car, bag or suitcase

Speaking of smelling great on the go, another option that’s convenient for travel is these deodorizing body wipes. If you don’t love reusing the same deodorant stick on your underarms and then other body parts, the wipes can be an alternative and are so easy to swipe over your neck, behind your ears, on your feet and more. The wipes are unscented and hydrating, using the persimmon tannin extract to do their thing like all of Mirai’s other products.

Your purchase comes with three packs of 50 wipes, so you can store them in various places. Perhaps one in the house, one in the car and one in your bag? That way, you’ll always have some in reach.

Promising review: “When I’m too lazy to take a bath, I use these wipes. They work very well. I like that they’re unscented. I’ve tried other brand-name wipes that are scented and have not been pleased. They’re a good size – I just use one because I’m usually just using them for the “pits and bits”, not for really dirty skin. I’m very pleased with them. They’re a nice fresher-upper.” — D. Staudt

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Hantavirus may have spread between passengers on cruise ship, WHO says

Two cases of the virus, which rarely spreads between humans, have been confirmed on the ship, and three people have died.

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Dr Punam’s red flags to look out for in your health

Dr Punam joins us to discuss the red flags to look out for in your health.

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This Luxury Cream Is Sweet ‘Relief For My Aging, Dry Skin’ — And A Rare 25% Off Today

It can be difficult to find a moisturizer that strikes the perfect balance between being deliciously hydrating while still having a lightweight finish, but Kiehl’s popular Ultra Facial Cream handles this task with aplomb. Deemed “relief for my aging, dry skin,” reviewers with mature skin love it for bringing the hydration back to their skin, “without the greasiness.” If you need more reason to give it a try — it’s currently 25% off at Amazon and Nordstrom, the lowest price it’s been since January.

The comforting cream is designed to deeply hydrate and balance the skin’s natural moisture barrier, leaving it soft, smooth and plump, aka, the perfect base for makeup on mature skin.

Loved by people with dry or mature skin, the cream is formulated with squalane (a botanical lipid that can prevent water loss) and ceramides, which are essential for a strong skin barrier and healthy complexion.

“The cream soaks in quickly without leaving a greasy residue, giving my skin a smooth, hydrated base for makeup,” one wrote, calling it a “perfect daily moisturizer for mature skin.” “It’s lightweight yet nourishing — perfect for mature skin that needs moisture without heaviness. After daily use, my skin feels soft, comfortable, and radiant all day.”

Having a lightweight, yet nourishing cream, is a must for all skin types, but it’s especially helpful for those with acne-prone and sensitive skin, or who otherwise struggle with dry skin. It also has a nearly imperceptible scent, which is a must for anyone who is sensitive to fragrance.

In previous reporting, HuffPost shopping writer Tessa Flores noted that this cream helps to soothe her chronic eczema.

Even the driest patches don’t stand a chance against this cream, and I can attest to that as well. This is among my go-to mid-winter wonders when my skin is parched from months of radiator heat.

This cream is also great for reducing redness and calming the skin. My complexion gets incredibly irritated during seasonal changes (like right now), from the changing weather, allergies, dry heat and more. This cream is a lifesaver and doesn’t cause my skin to break out, like most super-hydrating creams usually do. The resounding feedback among reviewers is that this cream is deeply hydrating without feeling greasy or heavy, and will earn its place in your daily rotation.

Take a look at what other shoppers have to say about this universally loved cream and pick some up while it’s on a rare sale. Your juicy, refreshed skin will be thanking you for it in the weeks and months to come.

“I use Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream every morning before applying my foundation, and it’s become an essential part of my routine. The cream soaks in quickly without leaving a greasy residue, giving my skin a smooth, hydrated base for makeup. It’s lightweight yet nourishing — perfect for mature skin that needs moisture without heaviness. After daily use, my skin feels soft, comfortable, and radiant all day. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a reliable, everyday facial cream.” — Angela M.

“I use Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream every morning before applying my foundation, and it’s become an essential part of my routine. The cream soaks in quickly without leaving a greasy residue, giving my skin a smooth, hydrated base for makeup. It’s lightweight yet nourishing — perfect for mature skin that needs moisture without heaviness. After daily use, my skin feels soft, comfortable, and radiant all day. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a reliable, everyday facial cream.” — Angela C.

“I have been using Kiehl’s products for almost 30 years for its outstanding quality in ingredients. I have very sensitive skin and break out easily. Ultra Facial Moisturizer and Alcohol-Free Cucumber Toner were my go-to for years. Although I still love them, my skin has changed with age (drier) and the Ultra-Facial Cream has delivered the proper amount of moisturizing back to my skin without the greasiness. This product has been around for a long time with updated look. I remember using it regularly when heading out to the slopes when I was still skiing and it was fabulous. Well, same awesomeness, different packaging. Highly recommend trying this – and any Kiehl’s product – based on your skin type.” — Daniela Lo Feudo

This is hands down one of the best moisturizers I’ve used. It’s super lightweight, absorbs quickly, and leaves my skin feeling soft, smooth, and hydrated all day. I love that it doesn’t feel greasy and works well under makeup. A little goes a long way, and it’s gentle enough for sensitive skin. Worth every penny! ” — Alexandra Bosco

Have dry skin all over your body? (We get it, we do too.) Check out some all-body dry skin favs from Senior Shopping Writer and chronic dry skin slayer, Tessa Flores.

Amazon

A nourishing body oil that doesn’t leave my skin greasy

As I’ve already mentioned, my skin is notoriously dry and I’ve found that incorporating body oils post-shower and after my CeraVe moisturizer has helped trap in hydration, improve skin texture and succeeded in making my skin feel bouncy and soft, well into the following day. The Saltair nourishing body oil was one of the best oils that I ended up trying (including better than the uber-popular Osea Undaria algea body oil), and I don’t hear a lot of people talk about how great it is.

As a person who is opposed to certain textures, I’m in love with the fact that this formula doesn’t sit greasy or stick atop the skin. It actually soaks in quickly and thoroughly to the point that I’m able to throw on my clothes right after and not leave a stain. Deceptively luxurious and available in five mild scents, it’s enriched with three different oils that are nourishing and rich in antioxidants like squalane and moringa. I’ve also noticed that my tattoos appear more vibrant and renewed since using a body oil.

Amazon

A decadently scented shower oil

I hate spending anything more than $10 on a product that I know I’m just going to wash off my body moments later, which is why I relegate this precious elixir to a couple of times a week, yet gladly repurchase it again and again because it’s just that nice. Unlike your typical surfactant-filled body washes, this is a cleansing shower oil that helps to lock in moisture and leave skin feeling very nourished. Not only does it smell divine (think caramel, warm vanilla and sandalwood), but it also contains prebiotics, oils and butters that support a healthy skin barrier. You also don’t need much product for this shower oil to quickly work in a super dense and creamy lather, especially when you use just a standard loofah.

Amazon

Japanese exfoliating washcloth

If you’ve ever had the luxury of getting an all-over body scrub at the Korean spa, then you’ll know all about those magical exfoliating mitts that are used to polish, tone and brighten your skin beyond compare. This is the washcloth version that I use every other day at the start of my shower on wet skin. The textured weave of these cloths strikes the perfect balance of abrasive, yet not rough enough to cause micro tears in the skin or irritation. I work the cloth over my entire body, paying close attention to my elbows, thighs, underarms and bikini line to fend off roughness and ingrowns. I even like to use the washcloth on my heels.

The Real Deal: We use deal trackers and commerce experience to sift through “fake” hike-and-drop deals and other deceptive sales tactics. Products will usually be rated at least 4 stars with a minimum 15% discount. (And when there’s an exception, we’ll tell you why.)

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Cruise passengers tell of life on board stranded ship after hantavirus outbreak

While passengers onboard the MV Hondius say the situation is calm, they face days at sea as officials warn the disease may have spread.

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Older Men Reveal The Things They’ve Completely Stopped Caring About — And They Have Zero Regrets

Three weeks ago, my wife told me my hair looked ridiculous and I needed a haircut. I agreed. But I still haven’t booked one.

This is not new behavior. The time between haircuts keeps stretching. Six weeks becomes eight. Eight becomes “when I get around to it.” My wife and sons mention it. But my hair routine is simple. However I wake up is how it looks. I haven’t stopped caring — style has just slid down the priority list.

It’s common once men reach middle age. There comes a point where keeping up just stops feeling worth the effort. The stomach doesn’t get sucked in at the beach, and the gray doesn’t get touched up. Phrases that kids call “such a boomer thing to say” get used without shame.

“Almost as if I was given a magic spell, somewhere just after my 50th birthday, I stopped pretending to care whether my shoes matched my outfit,” said Nathan Rice, 53. “Pre-50 me would’ve judged Crocs like they were a moral failing.” Now he owns multiple pairs. Fuzzy for winter, breezy for summer. “It’s full-time comfort mode, and honestly, I know it’s not anyone’s idea of cool, and don’t care.”

And it goes well past wardrobe.

For decades, their identity is often tied to performance, providing and fitting into a specific mold of success. When they hit their 50s, there is a profound sense of relief that comes with realizing they don’t have to perform anymore.

– Kym Tolson, social worker

At 57, Elias Friedman no longer feels the need to look busy. “If I am done at work, I am done and I leave for the day,” said Friedman, a financial planner. The “I shouldn’t eat this” routine over dessert? “Just order it and move on. I exercise four-plus days per week. It’s time to enjoy life more.” As for networking events, he’d rather “have one real conversation than 10 forgettable ones.”

It started around 50, he said. “It was realizing how much mental bandwidth was going to things that had zero impact on my actual life. It feels like a combination of earned confidence and fatigue. You’ve run the experiment long enough to know what matters and what doesn’t.” His family has noticed, too. “I have less patience for anything inauthentic.”

Sometimes it’s clearer from the outside. Runbo Li saw it in his father, a Chinese immigrant who spent decades running small businesses in Pennsylvania. “He’d rehearse small talk before parent-teacher conferences like he was prepping for a deposition,” Li said. “Pressed shirts to go to Costco. Careful English around neighbors.”

Licensed mental health counselor Matt Grammer says the need for “social camouflage” often falls away in the early to mid-50s.

andreswd via Getty Images

Licensed mental health counselor Matt Grammer says the need for “social camouflage” often falls away in the early to mid-50s.

Then somewhere around 55, “he started wearing the same three polo shirts in rotation. Not because he couldn’t afford more. Because, and I quote, ‘Nobody is looking at me.’” He once wore house slippers to a restaurant, and when Li’s mom pointed it out, he said, “The food tastes the same.”

At a family barbecue, a neighbor asked what he thought about some political topic. “He just said, ‘I don’t think about it,’” Li said. “My mom looked at me like she’d lost him. I thought he’d finally found himself.”

There’s a reason this tends to hit men around the same age. Licensed clinical social worker Kym Tolson said it’s less about giving up and more about what she calls radical acceptance. “For decades, their identity is often tied to performance, providing and fitting into a specific mold of success. When they hit their 50s, there is a profound sense of relief that comes with realizing they don’t have to perform anymore.”

According to Tolson, families usually notice first, because “the man’s behavior changes before he even consciously realizes his mindset has shifted. He’s just living his life, but the family sees the sudden absence of anxiety.”

Licensed mental health counselor Matt Grammer calls it “social camouflage,” and says it falls away in the early to mid-50s. One of his clients sat through a 15-minute conversation about cryptocurrency at a barbecue, went home and told his wife, “Next time I’m just going to say, ‘I have no idea what you’re talking about.’” He felt relieved, not resigned. “Men at this age understand that all of the little social acts, looking busy, staying on trend, going the extra mile, do not change the social outcome,” Grammer said.

The thing that took Mark Shrime, 51, longest to let go of was the dance floor. At a wedding late last year, the music started, everyone rushed to the floor, and the pleas kicked in: “Come on, just one dance!” He’d always felt the guilt of being the one person who stayed seated, and he would join in. “This was the first time I ever felt like, you know what? I don’t actually want to … and I don’t have to.” Shrime calls it freeing. “I’ve finally accepted that I’m content sipping my whiskey and being around my friends who are having the time of their lives.”

There’s a reason this tends to hit men around the same age. Licensed clinical social worker Kym Tolson said it’s less about giving up and more about what she calls radical acceptance.

xavierarnau via Getty Images

There’s a reason this tends to hit men around the same age. Licensed clinical social worker Kym Tolson said it’s less about giving up and more about what she calls radical acceptance.

The shift isn’t always about what you stop doing. Sometimes it’s about what you stop saying. Keith Holloway used to justify every decision to anyone who raised an eyebrow. “I used to explain myself. Constantly,” he said. “Someone would push back on a decision, and I’d justify it until they agreed. I’ve completely stopped. I know what I know. If you’re curious, ask me. If you disagree, good for you.” After his separation, he saw that “a staggering amount of my energy had gone toward managing other people’s opinions of me. That’s done now.” He also hasn’t worn pants that button on a Zoom call since 2021. And won’t ever again.

Some men have taken it further than they’d ever admit to their families. Ian Glennon, a 57-year-old writer, hasn’t shared this with his family yet. “The thing that I do now, that I would never have done pre-50, is wear the same pairs of underpants and socks two days in a row,” he said. “I turn them inside out so there’s at least a cognitive resonance that they’re ‘clean.’” He admits that two days occasionally stretch to three. Public holidays falling on a Monday are, he said, a case in point.

He hasn’t told his 16-year-old daughter. “I’m sure the response would contain the words: ‘gross,’ ‘too much information’ and ‘do NOT post that on social media.’” He plans to send her the link when this article runs.

My wife still tells me I need a haircut, and my sons groan when I play country music. Last week, I described something as “absolute cinema” and my sons looked at me like I’d committed a crime. I’ll book the haircut eventually. But I’m not rushing. And when I wake up tomorrow, however my hair looks is how it’s going to stay.

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May’s ‘Beautiful’ Meteor Shower Is About To Have Its Brightest Show

In April, stargazers got to enjoy the Lyrid meteor shower.

But if you missed it, don’t worry: since April 18, the Eta Aquariid meteor shower has also been falling, and it’s set to peak this week.

Here’s why it happens, when it’ll be at its brightest in the UK, and how to catch it:

What is the Eta Aquariid meteor shower?

As with the Lyrid meteor shower, it’s not that the comets are “shooting” towards us.

They’re part of the debris following a comet (in this case, comet Halley); in our journey around the sun, we pass through this space rubble, some of which then enters our atmosphere.

When they do that, they move so quickly that they compress and superheat the air surrounding them.

That leads to a glowing “head” and, sometimes, a streaking “tail” that stargazers will recognise as part of a meteor shower.

Royal Museums Greenwich (RMG) said on its site, “the beautiful streaks we see in the night sky can actually be caused by particles as small as a grain of sand.”

The debris of Halley’s comet is associated with two meteor showers. The other one, Orionid, is due in October 2026.

When will the Eta Aquariid meteor shower peak in the UK?

In the UK, your best odds are on Wednesday, 6 May, from midnight to dawn. But don’t despair if you miss it.

One of the things that makes the Eta Aquariid meteor shower distinct is that it doesn’t have a “sharp peak”, RMG said.

Instead, brilliant shows tend to cluster around a particular week. In 2026, that’s this week (May 4-10).

How can I see the 2025 Eta Aquariid meteor shower?

Look towards the Eastern horizon in the wee hours of Wednesday.

Steer clear of sources of light pollution, like street lamps, and wait. (Unfortunately, the peak of this meteor shower occurs alongside quite a bright moon, which might make the display less obvious).

The meteors should be visible to the naked eye, so you won’t need any special tools like binoculars.

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