A Health Profile of Older Women with Comparisons to Older Men

Abstract

This article discusses the physical health status of contemporary older women (aged 65 and over) in comparison to older men, using data from ongoing national health surveys and vital statistics. The article reviews older women's and men's life expectancy after 65 and recent trends in their mortality rates. It then looks extensively at data on physical health, especially the prevalence of chronic conditions and long-term disabilities. Leading ailments at different "stages" are discussed: health problems in daily life, the presence of chronic conditions (whether symptomatic or not), ambulatory care visits, hospital stays, and causes of death. The data show that older women are more frequently ill than older men, with both acute and chronic conditions, but that their problems are less life-threatening than men's. The article concludes with thoughts about the health of future older cohorts.