New Study Finds Largest Gender Gap in US Life Expectancy Since 1996
A new study led by the University of California has revealed the largest gender gap in US life expectancy since 1996. The study, which analyzed data from the National Center for Health Statistics, found that women are now living 5.8 years longer than men, coming just 0.2 years away from the record.
The researchers identified several factors contributing to this widening gender gap. The most significant contributor is the Covid-19 pandemic, which has disproportionately affected men. Additionally, unintentional injuries, drug overdoses, accidents, and suicide – collectively known as “deaths of despair” – have also played a major role. These causes of death are associated with economic hardships, depression, and stress.
Improved medical care for women, specifically reductions in cancer and perinatal conditions, were found to contribute to the gap as well. On the other hand, chronic metabolic disease and mental illness may be playing a role in the differential worsening mortality rates from diabetes, heart disease, homicide, and suicide.
The researchers emphasized the importance of understanding why this gender gap has been widening since 2010. In contrast, a 1998 report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention highlighted heart disease, cancer, and cerebrovascular disease as the leading causes of death, with no significant gender disparity.
The study also found that rates of death from drug overdose and homicide have been increasing for both men and women, but men have been experiencing a disproportionate share of these deaths. Data from the US Census Bureau further supports these findings, suggesting that the Covid-19 pandemic has had a larger impact on male mortality compared to female mortality.
The results of this study shed light on a concerning trend in the US, emphasizing the need for further research and targeted interventions to address the issues contributing to the widening gender gap in life expectancy. As the pandemic continues to affect communities worldwide, it is crucial to prioritize the mental and physical health of all individuals, regardless of gender.
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