The gap between men and women living to very old age is closing. Why are fewer women living longer?

Oct. 25, 2024 - PRLog -- The traditional gap between the number of women living to a very old age compared to the number of men is closing rapidly. The latest Office for National Statistics (ONS) report on the very old, including centenarians, reveals the number of women living to be over the age of 90 fell last year, as did the number of women living to be 100. What's more significant still is the fact that the ratio of very old men to women has narrowed significantly in recent years.

A leading expert says women in their younger and middle years can lay the groundwork now to ensure good health in old age.

Dr Avinash Hari Narayanan (MBChB), Clinical Lead at London Medical Laboratory, says: 'The latest ONS report into the very old reveals that, as recently as 2002, there was more than three times the number of women aged over 90 compared to men. Last year, this fell to just twice as many. Statistically that's a huge decline.

'It does look as if the decline in the number of women living to be very old is accelerating, particularly in relation to men's lifespan. The sex ratio at the oldest ages continued to narrow in 2023, with 4.5 women to every man aged 100 years and over in England and Wales, compared with 4.6 in 2022.

'The number of women aged 90 and over fell from 369,920 in 2022 to 368,250 in 2023. There was also a 1.14% decrease in the number of women living to be over 100, down from 12,270 in 2022 to 12,130 in 2023.

'Why has the ratio of very old men to women narrowed significantly in recent years? Many women now reaching their centenary may well have led more challenging lives than previous generations. They are likely to have faced the difficulties of World War II and many will have spent decades juggling domestic and professional duties.

'The combined factors may well have placed greater demands on their bodies. That's why regular testing is recommended to ensure women maintain good health into their old age.

'For women concerned about their health today and tomorrow, a general health test will provide reassurance that they are in good overall health. This can help fight viruses and boost overall fitness levels. There are also many tests available today developed specifically for women.

'Many of these dedicated tests for women can be taken at home through the post, or at one of the many drop-in clinics that offer these tests across London and nationwide in over 120 selected pharmacies and health stores. For full details, see: https://www.londonmedicallaboratory.com/product-category/womens-health