Citation

Phillips SP. J. Mens Health Gend. 2006; 3(1): 43-46.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2006, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.jmhg.2005.08.004

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Women outlive men in all but the poorest and most unequal of countries, despite recent increases in male life expectancy that have exceeded those amongst women. This study identifies sources of disparity in longevity between sexes.

METHODS: Canadian data on age and cause of all deaths recorded in 1999 are grouped and analyzed to identify sex differences in mortality.

RESULTS: The overall ratio of male to female deaths (1.09 to 1) varies across ages, from a maximum of 2.6 male for every 1 female death between ages 15 and 29 years, to a minimum of 0.80 to 1 amongst those over 74 years old. The source of greatest disadvantage for men under age 45 years is behaviours attributable to gender. Accidents, injuries, and suicides account for the majority of the male mortality excess in this group, and for more male than female deaths amongst all but the most elderly. Before age 60 years, risk-taking behaviour claims more male lives than does circulatory disease.

CONCLUSIONS: Data presented show the significance of gender as a determinant of longevity, and suggest the value of interventions to ameliorate this effect. © 2005 WPMH GmbH. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd.

Language: en

Keywords

Gender; Canada; human; longevity; Violence; aging; sex difference; cause of death; mortality; Life expectancy; risk assessment; health behavior; life expectancy; article; statistical analysis; geriatric care; priority journal; Longevity; Mortality rate; Men's health; Women's health