Gender and health issues in ageing

Abstract

There are pronounced gender differences relating to health and ageing reflecting biological and social differences and transitions and adaption to these. The most obvious biological difference is that women have a finite length of reproductive functioning, the termination of which is marked by menopause. The menopausal transition has physical, psychological and sexual concomitants. Postmenopausal life is characterise by increased cardiovascular and osteoporotic risk. Interventions for these disorders have not been adequately evaluated. Men live on average about 7 years less than women in most developed countries. Women form the majority of carers. The most common cost of caring is social, a ..