Men Die Six Years Younger Than Women

Statistics confirm that in spite of increased male life expectancy, men on the island of Ireland continue to die, on average, six years younger than women do and have higher death rates at all ages, and for all leading causes of death.

Poorer Men Have Poorer Health

Compared to men in the highest occupational class, men from the lower occupational classes have worse health in all years and for all the conditions which are analysed in this report.

Men Are Four Times More Likely To Die Bv Suicide Than Women

Sex differences in mortality figures are particularly pronounced in the case of road traffic accidents (RTA's) and suicides.

Men Take More Risks With Their Health

Compared to women, men have higher levels of health damaging behaviours and risk behaviours.

Men need to take responsibility for their own health

Although research is limited in Ireland, it is well documented internationally that compared to women, men have limited contact with GP's are reluctant users of primary care services and often present late in the course of an illness.

Being a man can be dangerous to your health

Although social and economic roles of men and women are changing, traditional mores and attitudes towards gender remain prevalent. Boys and young men continue to be socialised to appear in control, to be strong and to take risks; thus reinforcing their exposure to illness and accidental deaths.

More Research Needed Into Men's Health

Men's health is under researched, both clinically and in terms of health promotion.

For further details contact:
Republic of Ireland:

Fergal Fox,
Health Promotion Service, Unit 4, Clonminch, Tullamore, Co.Offaly.
Phone: 0506 57810.
Mobile: 0863830218.
Email: fergal.fox@mhb.ie

Northern Ireland:
Alan George,
Resolute Health, PO Box 71, Belfast, BT16 2WA.
Email: resolutehealth@aol.com

2004
Copies of the Report are available free to download at www.mhfi.org from the 16th of January.