Women live more years in ill-health than men, finds gender health gap study

[Diamond_Dog]

Cross post from Health forum.

Women live longer than men but experience more years in poor health, according to a global gender health gap analysis that experts say underlines an urgent need for action to boost women’s health.

Globally, there are substantial differences between women and men when it comes to health, with limited progress in bridging health gaps over the past three decades, according to the study examining the impact of the world’s 20 leading causes of disease.

The findings were published in the Lancet Public Health journal.

Non-fatal conditions that cause illness and disability, such as musculoskeletal problems, mental health issues and headache disorders, particularly affect women, researchers found.

At the same time men are disproportionally affected by conditions that cause premature death, such as cardiovascular diseases, respiratory and liver diseases, Covid-19 and road injuries.

The health differences between women and men continue to grow with age, leaving women with higher levels of illness and disability throughout their lives, as they tend to live longer than men.

More

https://www.theguardian.com/society/2024/may/01/women-live-more-years-ill-health-than-men-gender-health-gap-study

[ms liberty]

1. Not surprised. Women live longer because

Somebody has to be here to take care of everything. It's stubbornness as much as anything.

[GenThePerservering]

2. Health care for women has been historically second rate

Once we hit middle age, we get the 'middle-aged female' care, whereas the men get the '50-year-old gentleman' care. We need to keep the whip hand at all times during any and all medical encounters and advocate for ourselves and each other.

This is changing, fortunately, with more women in the profession and more younger men.

Now we need to deal with the constant micro-aggressions and major stresses of 'living while female' where many women swallow down the stress just to keep going, where it erodes health.

[Mossfern]

3. Rec a million times!

My husband and I have had the same Primary Care physician for about 35 years. When it comes time for annual physicals, the doc spends twice as much time with my husband than he does with me and often dismisses my concerns.

I honestly have to fight to be heard.

[Diamond_Dog]

5. You are so correct.

[no_hypocrisy]

4. And for that reason, I selected my physicians. Nearly 90% are women.

Gynecologist. Endocrinologist. GP. Podiatrist. Cardiologist. I'll add although my dentist is a guy, his hygienist is a woman who looks after my teeth, my gums, and my jaw.