The life expectancy gap between men and women in the United States has reached its widest point since 1996, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The disparity has grown to 5.8 years, up from 4.8 years in 2010, reversing a long-term trend that had seen the gap shrink since 1980.
Insights from the Reinsurance Group of America (RGA) suggest that biological differences account for some of the disparity, but preventable factors such as lifestyle choices and healthcare access contribute significantly to male mortality rates.
RGA’s analysis points to opportunities for insurers to play a role in addressing this gap, which impacts both policyholders and the insurance industry.
A June 2024 study by Georgetown University’s Center for Men’s Health Equity highlighted that men have higher age-adjusted mortality rates than women for 13 of the leading causes of death in the US, including heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and suicide.
The study found that male deaths from “deaths of despair,” such as suicide, are particularly concerning. In 2023, men were nearly four times more likely than women to die by suicide, with a rate of approximately 23 per 100,000 compared to six per 100,000 for women.
RGA notes that mental health disparities play a significant role in this trend. Men are less likely than women to seek mental health treatment, with only 13.4% of men receiving care compared to 24.7% of women, according to CDC data. This disparity in treatment contributes to higher male mortality from mental health-related causes.
Public health policies and healthcare access also influence the life expectancy gap. RGA points out that women are encouraged through government programs to access preventive care more frequently than men. For instance, the Affordable Care Act fully covers 44 preventive healthcare measures, but only one of these applies exclusively to men.
RGA’s research also shows that women visit doctors more frequently than men, including for preventive care. Greater engagement with the healthcare system correlates with increased longevity, a trend supported by studies linking prescription histories to improved mortality outcomes.
RGA suggests that life and health insurers can address the mortality gap by fostering a more proactive relationship with policyholders. This approach could include initiatives that promote wellness, disease management, and mental health care while incentivizing early interventions.
For example, insurers could integrate wellness benefits into morbidity and mortality products. Digital tools, such as apps or wearable devices, could encourage policyholders to adopt healthier lifestyles or manage chronic conditions. Products tied to regular screenings or early detection of diseases could incentivize men to seek preventive care.
Mental health initiatives specifically targeting men could also address the high rate of deaths from despair. RGA recommends expanding access to counseling and support services and destigmatizing the use of mental health resources.
Collaboration with mental health professionals and the development of digital tools for mental health management could further these efforts.
While insurers have a role to play, RGA emphasizes that reducing the gender mortality gap requires a shift in societal attitudes toward men’s health. A partnership between insurers, healthcare providers, and policyholders will be essential in promoting preventive care and healthier lifestyles.
RGA concludes that while insurers can implement strategies to incentivize healthier behaviors, a broader cultural change is needed to encourage men to prioritize their health. These efforts could lead to reduced mortality rates and a narrowing of the life expectancy gap, benefiting both individuals and the insurance industry.
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