Men do less to prevent early death
Updated on 18 July 2007
Men are less aware than women of what they are likely to die of and take fewer steps to prevent early death, according to research.
The new consumer survey, from life insurance giant Legal & General, shows that whereas both men and women acknowledge a healthier lifestyle could prolong lifespan, men are more likely to rely on medical intervention to avoid premature death - or even do nothing.
Figures from the Office of National Statistics show that deaths before age 75 were down 25% (from 250,000 in 1996 to 197,000 in 2005), but despite England going smoke-free nearly three weeks ago and numerous initiatives on healthy eating, many people are still unaware of the major health threats that can cause premature death.
While the new survey says women were accurate in assessing the causes of premature death (43% of women estimated cancer to be the principal reason - close to the actual women's figure of 44% in 2005), men were relatively clueless.
Over half of men (54%) believe that if they were to die before their 75th birthday, it would be from a cardiovascular disease (CVD). In fact, the most likely killer is cancer (35%).
CVD deaths fell 40% from 92,000 in 1996 to 55,000 in 2005, but according to Legal & General group executive director John Pollock, non-fatal incidences have risen slightly.
He said: "In contrast to mortality rates, which have declined steadily since the early 1970s, rate of incidence is on the rise. This is likely to be a result of the fact that medical developments have meant that people are more likely to survive a heart attack but will go on to have multiple attacks."
Simon Gadd, head of annuities at the company, said that medical progress and the number of smokers quitting would have a huge impact on the life insurance industry.
He said: "People are living longer. In 1974, 45% of people in Great Britain smoked; in 2002, it was 26%, but it takes time for these things to have an effect."
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