Paradox of Lifespan and Healthspan with counterintitive Lifestyle impact

[TomBAvoider]

Interesting findings: http://sciencenordic.com/women-have-healthier-lifestyles-are-sicker

 

"Women have healthier lifestyles, but are sicker

 

Norwegian women live healthier lives than their male counterparts. Nevertheless, they have more health problems. Why is that?

 

By almost every measure, Norwegian women live much healthier lives than men. They are more physically active than men. They have a healthier diet. They are less likely to be overweight. They drink less alcohol. They eat more fruit, vegetables and greens.

Women are also better at getting medical care if they need it. And at least by some measures, it has paid off: Women in Norway live almost four years longer than men.

Women are sickest

Men, on the other hand, drink far more sugary drinks like soda and juice. And they drink more alcohol.

The older men get, the less exercise they get compared to their female age cohort.

Body mass index (BMI) clearly reflects the difference between men and women's lifestyle choices. Norwegian men are more likely than women to be either overweight or obese.

In spite of all this, Norwegian women are more likely than men to report health problems. Their illnesses tend to be more prolonged, and they also report more symptoms of mental problems. 

 

Men have more years of good health

Both men and women in Norway are steadily living longer than ever before. And for both sexes, more and more of those years are healthy.

Nevertheless, men still do better by this measure. Even though Norwegian women live almost four years longer than Norwegian men, they have fewer years of good health.

A Norwegian woman can expect to have 69 healthy years, while a man can expect to have 72 healthy years.

Women in Norway now live an average of 84 years. On average, men in Norway can expect to live to age 80."

[timc]

I'm reminded of a guy who avoids hospitals (like the plague) and his only health interventions are beer and aspirin.

 

It's not me. I avoid both hospitals and beer.