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Men are healthier than women
Last reviewed: 02.07.2025
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Women live longer, and the country of residence does not play a special role, on average in the world women live about 80 years, while men live 5 years less. But, according to scientists, the duration and quality of life are completely different concepts, and women, despite the fact that they live longer, are subject to various age-related diseases, which undoubtedly affects their quality of life. Among women, such diseases as dementia, arthritis, brittle bones prevail, so they tend to lead a less active lifestyle, compared to men of the same age.
These are the conclusions reached by researchers from the University of Michigan led by Vicki Friedman. The scientists analyzed data from national surveys of elderly US residents (aged 65 and over), which were conducted in different years, starting in 1982. The scientists' goal was to determine the trend in the development of age-related disorders and disability among elderly Americans. The experts found that certain diseases affected a person's ability to perform everyday activities, such as going to the store to buy groceries, cooking, or even getting out of bed.
Scientists have found that since 1982, the level of disability has decreased for both women and men, but since 2004, there has been stability among the male half of the population and an increase in the level of disability among women. Researchers cannot currently explain the reasons for the changes that have occurred, but they assume that it is connected with the fact that women live longer than men and are more susceptible to age-related diseases.
Scientists note that men and women suffer from different diseases in old age, and the latest advances in science and medicine have been more focused on treating diseases that kill men to a greater extent. For example, in the United States, one of the main causes of death among men is cardiovascular disease, but over the past decade, the mortality rate from coronary heart disease has decreased by almost 40%. Scientists note that this is primarily due to improved control over cholesterol, blood pressure, a decrease in the number of smokers, and a higher level of medical care (for example, in the United States, ECG results are transmitted to the hospital department directly from the ambulance).
Women suffer from arthritis more often than men due to physiology, heredity, hormonal surges, women also more often get osteoarthritis and are more often offered joint replacement surgery.
Based on the research, scientists note that quality of life plays a much greater role than the number of years lived, so doctors and scientists should focus not so much on life expectancy, but on improving the quality of life of elderly patients and providing quality medical care, which will improve the physical condition of people over 65 years old.
According to experts, if more attention is paid now to the problems of elderly patients that lead to physical incapacity, then it is possible not only to improve the quality of life of this category of the population, but also to prolong the active life position among the elderly.
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