Christine Drews Sieger
A new government strategy aims to tackle the health challenges that continue to see men die younger than women.
The British government will launch a consultation in April on a new strategy for men’s health in England.
The initiative comes in response to significant differences in health outcomes and life expectancy between men and women.
According to the BBC, men have a shorter life expectancy than women and are also at greater risk of dying prematurely from conditions such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, and liver disease.
Researchers emphasize that the causes are complex and extend far beyond diet, exercise, and other lifestyle factors.
Health Checks Often Overlooked
Many men do not make use of the healthcare services already available. Only a small proportion of those invited to regular health screenings choose to attend.
According to Mark Brooks, of the UK’s cross-party group on issues affecting men and boys, it can be difficult for employees in sectors such as construction and manufacturing to find time for doctor’s appointments or medical examinations.
He therefore believes that healthcare services should be made more accessible in workplaces, while employees should be given greater flexibility to take time off for health checks, according to BBC.
Focus on Mental Well-Being
Suicide statistics continue to show a significant overrepresentation of men among recorded deaths, BBC reports.
Professor Alan White, who helped establish the Men’s Health Forum, also believes that men often respond differently to mental health problems than women.
For many men, psychological distress is more likely to be expressed through changes in behaviour rather than through direct conversations about their feelings.
Experts hope that the upcoming strategy will raise awareness of men’s health issues and encourage more men to seek help at an earlier stage.
At the same time, there are calls for local initiatives that make it easier for men to talk about both their physical and mental well-being.
Four-Year Gap in Life Expectancy
According to figures from the Office for National Statistics show that men in England live, on average, around four years less than women.
Between 2022 and 2024, life expectancy at birth was 79.4 years for men, compared with 83.3 years for women.
Men are also disproportionately affected by a number of serious diseases and experience higher mortality rates than women across several age groups.
Although the gap between the sexes has narrowed over recent decades, it continues to pose a significant public health challenge.
Sources: BBC, Office for National Statistics
