This report compiles new evidence of differences between men and women in attitudes and behaviours toward health, as well as in illnesses and mortality. Some findings are paradoxical. For example, women experience more illness, more years of disability and more stress than men do. But they also live longer. Even after being diagnosed with a fatal disease, women survive longer than men.
Women are more likely than men to have health concerns in mind when they select food.
They are also more likely to use vitamins regularly, and to be an appropriate weight for their height. Men, on the other hand, are more likely to engage in vigorous physical activity in their leisure time. Men and women are exposed to different levels of risk with regard to factors linked to illness and disease. Men tend to drink and smoke more, and are more likely than women to be overweight. Women report higher levels of stress at home and in the workplace, which is associated with the onset of chronic disease.