Gender and Ageing
Even though many of the diseases or conditions common to later life are experienced by both men and women, the actual rates, trends, and specific types differ between the sexes. While some of these differences are the result of physiological differences, to fully understand ageing and health a gender perspective is required. Gender can be understood as the complex and differing pattern of roles, responsibilities, norms, values, freedoms, and limitations that defines what is thought of as “masculine” and “feminine” throughout the life course and which all play a role as determinants of ageing. For example, social and health factors such as poor education, less access to good nutrition, to health and social services, to property and to the labour market, generally disadvantage women in comparison with men during their lifetime.
To illustrate, almost everywhere in the world, cardiovascular diseases are the main killer of older people of both sexes, yet, it is commonly thought of as a male disease and as a result, often goes undiagnosed in women, particularly in low and lower middle-income countries. On the other hand, men are more likely than women to avoid seeking medical help, at least until a disease has progressed. Further, men's life expectancy is shorter than women, however, in most countries, the combination of various health and social factors result in a lower quality of life for women in later life. As widowers, older men tend to be more isolated than women due to perceived lack of male skills in developing social and familial ties. On the other hand, in some countries, traditional practices relating to widowhood place older women at risk for violence, abuse and poverty.
As efforts are directed at improving our understanding of ageing and health, the Department of Ageing and Life Course (ALC) advocates for an approach that takes into account the differences and commonalities of women and men and considers their differing circumstances and specific problems. A gender analysis should be applied no matter the issue being considered, for example, abuse, emergencies, health promotion, primary health care, supportive environments and income security.
The Department of Ageing and Life Course works with a number of UN partners and other important stakeholders for the implementation of a gendered-oriented plan of action for older women and men worldwide. We strive towards gender equality for current and future generations of older people.
Our main goals regarding gender equality are that:
- Societies are free from any kind of age or gender-based discrimination.
- Older women and men are both included in their communities and their contributions go recognized.
- Older women and men receive equitable access to health and social services.