It not uncommon for most men to assume they would die before the women in their lives. The innate age-long assumption, whether right or wrong lives in every man.
Research led by UC San Francisco and Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health shows that, at least in the United States, the gap has been widening for more than a decade. The trend is being driven by the COVID-19 pandemic and the opioid overdose epidemic, among other factors.
While modern medicine and advancements in healthcare have improved life expectancy globally, men still tend to die younger than women. Various health, lifestyle, and social factors contribute to this disparity.
In this article, we explore 10 primary reasons why men are at a higher risk of early mortality, supported by medical statistics.
- Heart Disease: The Leading Killer
Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men worldwide. According to the American Heart Association (AHA), 1 in 3 men in the U.S. die from heart disease. This is largely due to poor diet, lack of exercise, smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption. Men are generally at higher risk for coronary artery disease at an earlier age than women, with most male heart disease deaths occurring between the ages of 45 and 65.
Research shows that men tend to develop heart disease about 10 years earlier than women due to biological and lifestyle factors. High blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes further exacerbate the risk.
- Cancer: A Silent Killer
Cancer is another significant contributor to early male mortality. According to the American Cancer Society, men are 40% more likely to develop cancer than women, with prostate cancer being the most common type diagnosed in men. The risk of prostate cancer increases with age, and it is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in men after lung cancer.
Men are also more likely to die from other cancers, such as liver, colorectal, and lung cancers, which are often linked to poor lifestyle choices like smoking, alcohol consumption, and lack of exercise.
- Mental Health and Suicide
Mental health issues, including depression and anxiety, contribute significantly to the early death of men. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that men are 3.5 times more likely to die by suicide than women. This alarming statistic is linked to various factors, including societal pressures, reluctance to seek help, and stigma surrounding mental health.
Men are also less likely to visit a doctor for mental health concerns, which can delay diagnosis and treatment. This neglect often leads to substance abuse or, in extreme cases, suicide.
- Chronic Diseases and Diabetes
Chronic diseases, particularly type 2 diabetes, are more prevalent in men. The CDC states that men are 1.5 times more likely than women to develop diabetes, and the disease often progresses more quickly in men. Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to kidney disease, blindness, heart attacks, and strokes, all of which significantly shorten life expectancy.
Furthermore, obesity, which is more common among men, contributes to various chronic conditions like hypertension, sleep apnea, and metabolic syndrome—conditions that increase the risk of premature death.
- Poor Lifestyle Choices
Men are more likely to engage in risky behaviors such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and physical inactivity. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 70% of adult men worldwide are smokers or have smoked at some point, increasing their risk of respiratory diseases, including lung cancer.
Excessive alcohol consumption is another major contributor to early mortality. The CDC states that men are more likely than women to drink alcohol excessively, putting them at higher risk for liver disease, accidents, and violent injuries, all of which can reduce life expectancy.
- Lack of Preventive Healthcare
One of the most significant reasons men die early is their lack of preventive healthcare. According to the National Institute on Aging (NIA), men are less likely to visit doctors for routine checkups or screenings compared to women. For example, only about 44% of men in the U.S. visit a healthcare provider annually for preventive care, compared to 59% of women.
This reluctance to seek regular medical attention can delay the diagnosis of serious conditions like cancer, heart disease, and diabetes, all of which are more treatable when caught early.
- High Stress Levels and Work-Related Stress
Stress is a significant factor in the early death of men. High levels of chronic stress are associated with a higher risk of developing heart disease, strokes, and mental health disorders. Studies show that men with high levels of work-related stress are at increased risk of cardiovascular events.
The American Psychological Association (APA) reports that men experience greater work-related stress due to financial pressures and societal expectations to be the primary breadwinner, which can contribute to mental health decline and premature mortality.
- Substance Abuse
Substance abuse is a leading factor in early male death. The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) reports that men are twice as likely as women to develop substance use disorders. This includes the abuse of alcohol, drugs, and tobacco, all of which contribute to liver disease, respiratory issues, cancer, and accidents.
Substance abuse also increases the risk of violent behavior and accidents, such as car crashes, which significantly decrease life expectancy.
- Workplace Accidents and Occupational Hazards
Men are more likely to work in dangerous jobs that expose them to physical injury and hazardous materials. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), men account for 92% of workplace fatalities in the U.S. Construction, mining, and manufacturing industries, which are dominated by men, are particularly high-risk professions.
These jobs often involve long hours, heavy machinery, and exposure to dangerous substances, increasing the likelihood of fatal accidents and long-term health complications, including respiratory diseases.
- Social Isolation
As men age, they are more likely to experience social isolation. According to the National Institute on Aging, about 1 in 3 older men live alone, which can lead to loneliness, depression, and a higher risk of chronic diseases. Social isolation is linked to a weakened immune system, poor mental health, and lower life satisfaction, all of which can contribute to a shorter life span.
Moreover, men are often less likely to build social support networks, which are crucial for maintaining both physical and mental health as they age.
Conclusion
The combination of lifestyle choices, social factors, and biological risks contribute to the earlier death of men compared to women. Addressing these issues through healthier lifestyle choices, routine healthcare visits, mental health support, and improved social connections could help reduce the risk factors that contribute to early mortality in men. By taking proactive steps, men can significantly improve their health and extend their life expectancy.