Trends in health status and health care use among older men.

Abstract

The difference in life expectancy between older men and women has narrowed since 1980, but a gap remains. Older men have lower hypertension and cholesterol levels and exercise regularly at higher rates than older women; however, the rates of obesity and cigarette smoking are similar in older men and women. Although health status has improved for all racial and ethnic groups, racial and ethnic disparities remain for many indicators. Older men and women have similar rates of hospital admissions and visits to emergency departments and physician offices.