Did you know that more boys are born each year than girls? For every 100 girls born, there are at least 105 boys born. Interestingly, as the babies begin to grow, the number begins to even out. Boys are more susceptible to infections and birth complications and are more likely to die as a result.
The sex ratio continues to reverse at all stages of life culminating in a ratio of male to female of 0.78 by age 65, which means that by age 65, for every 100 females, there are 78 males. It goes without saying that more men die at any stage in life as compared to women.
In this article, we will look at 5 possible reasons why men die earlier than their female counterparts
Poor health-seeking behaviour:
Men are notoriously terrible at taking care of themselves.. ask any wife or mother, or even a sister, and you will get an earful about this subject. In my practice, it is not uncommon for a man to come in and say ‘Well my wife asked me to come see you, so here I am’. As a result of this men are more likely to be diagnosed with a chronic disease much later than females with the same disease conditions. The male counterparts are less likely to stick t their treatment regimen and therefore it goes without saying that the male patient is more likely to develop complications and die earlier than the female.
Hormonal Differences
Hormones play a significant role in health and aging. Oestrogen, which is more predominant in women, has been associated with cardiovascular health, bone density, and other factors that contribute to longevity. Testosterone, on the other hand, is more predominant in men and might be associated with higher risk-taking behavior, which could lead to accidents and injuries. This may explain why men tend to engage in risky behaviors than women do. Such habits as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and other dangerous activities are more common among men. These behaviors can increase the likelihood of accidents, injuries, and chronic health conditions, leading eventually to earlier demise as compared to women.
Cardiovascular Health
Oestrogen is believed to have a protective effect on the cardiovascular system, which may contribute to women having lower rates of heart disease and related conditions.
Other Biological Factors
Biological differences between men and women play a role. Women generally have a higher percentage of body fat and a lower percentage of muscle mass than men. This can contribute to women’s bodies being better equipped to store energy and withstand periods of illness or malnutrition.
Social Support
Women often have more robust social support networks, which can contribute to better mental and emotional well-being. Strong social connections have been linked to improved health outcomes and longevity.
Gentlemen, it looks like the odds are against us on this one, but we need not accept this as the status quo. It is important that we adopt habits that will counter these factors listed above and make us conscious of our shortcomings so we can overcome them.
Regular routine health checks and a commitment to follow your doctor’s advise is definitely the best way to get started.
For starters, when was the last time you checked your blood pressure?
Dr. Kelvin Owusu is a Health and Wellness Consultant who, through a holistic approach, helps individuals and groups craft innovative health plans aimed at promoting healthy lifestyles.
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