Men in the UK live on average four years less than women, a disparity driven by a complex mix of biological, behavioral, and social factors. In response, the UK government is developing its first-ever men’s health strategy, aiming to address this persistent gap and improve men’s overall health outcomes.
According to the Office for National Statistics, life expectancy at birth from 2021 to 2023 was 78.8 years for men and 82.8 years for women. Men face higher risks of early death from cardiovascular disease, lung cancer, liver disease, accidents, and suicide, which accounts for three-quarters of all suicide deaths.
Experts emphasize that this gap is not inevitable. Professor Paul Galdas of the University of York highlights that poorer health outcomes in men are often mistakenly seen as self-inflicted, while in reality they reflect deeper social and structural issues. Masculine norms that discourage vulnerability and help-seeking, combined with healthcare systems that inadequately engage men—especially those facing poverty or isolation—contribute significantly to these outcomes.
Men also tend to adopt less healthy lifestyles, including higher rates of smoking, alcohol use, obesity, and substance abuse, all of which increase risks for non-communicable diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. Amy O’Connor from the men’s health charity Movember stresses the importance of tailored healthcare services and improved clinical training to better meet men’s unique health needs.
Regional inequalities further compound the problem, with life expectancy for men varying by several years across England. For example, men in the Northeast live on average three years less than those in the Southeast, reflecting socioeconomic disparities.
To effectively close the gap, health advocates call for targeted outreach that meets men where they are—in workplaces, sports clubs, and online communities—and campaigns that resonate with men’s experiences and communication styles. Programs like Movember’s “Ahead of the Game” use sports to engage young men in mental health discussions, illustrating innovative approaches to men’s health promotion.
Changing societal norms around masculinity is also critical. Galdas urges promoting models of masculinity that embrace self-care and openness, framing healthy behaviors as strengths rather than weaknesses.
The Department of Health and Social Care is currently consulting the public and professionals until mid-July 2025 to gather input for the men’s health strategy, which is expected to be published by the end of the year. This initiative represents a crucial step toward reducing gender disparities in health and enhancing life expectancy for men across England.
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