Women Live Longer But Sicker: Why Female Health Gets Less Attention

The gap in health and longevity between men and women is a complex issue, increasingly drawing attention from researchers and policymakers. While women generally live longer than men, they often experience more years living with chronic illness, a phenomenon that demands a closer look at the factors contributing to this disparity. This isn’t simply a matter of biology; societal pressures, lifestyle choices, and even systemic biases within healthcare all play a role. The Netherlands is currently grappling with this issue, as evidenced by recent data and a growing national strategy focused on women’s health.

Recent findings from the Netherlands’ Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS) Gezondheidsenquête 2025 (Health Survey 2025) reveal that women are more likely than men to report their health as being in poor condition. This isn’t a novel trend, according to Petra Verdonk, a psychologist and co-founder of the Dutch Association for Gender and Health, but a pattern consistently observed over decades of CBS research. This persistent disparity underscores the need for targeted interventions and a deeper understanding of the unique health challenges faced by women. The data suggests that women not only live longer, but often endure a greater burden of chronic disease, impacting their quality of life in later years.

The Biological and Societal Factors at Play

Several factors contribute to the differing health experiences of men and women. Men, on average, tend to die younger, a trend particularly pronounced among those with lower levels of education. Verdonk explains that What we have is often linked to the types of occupations men traditionally hold – often physically demanding – and generally less healthy lifestyle choices. However, this doesn’t fully explain the longer, yet often sicker, lives of women. Women are more prone to chronic conditions such as pelvic floor disorders and rheumatoid arthritis, leading to a greater cumulative burden of illness. This highlights the importance of focusing on preventative care and early intervention for women’s specific health needs.

Silvan Licher, a clinical epidemiologist at Erasmus MC and a general practitioner in training, points out that diseases with a long duration but not necessarily fatal outcomes often receive less attention in medical research and resource allocation. He notes that these conditions disproportionately affect women. This observation raises critical questions about research priorities and the need to address the specific health concerns of women more effectively. The tendency to focus on acute, life-threatening illnesses can inadvertently neglect the significant impact of chronic conditions on women’s overall well-being.

Increased Healthcare Utilization and Mental Health Concerns

The CBS Gezondheidsenquête 2025 also indicates that women visit healthcare providers more frequently than men. Licher emphasizes that this isn’t necessarily indicative of women being more prone to complaining, but rather that they seek medical attention for serious health concerns. “No one goes to the doctor for fun,” he states. This increased utilization suggests that women are more proactive in addressing their health issues, but it also highlights the need for a healthcare system that is responsive to their specific needs and concerns.

A significant aspect of the health disparity lies in the realm of mental health. Women are more likely to experience anxiety and depression than men, contributing substantially to healthcare costs and workforce absenteeism. Licher observes that women often present with complex combinations of illnesses that don’t easily fit into traditional medical specialties, such as heart failure coupled with depression. This underscores the need for integrated care models that address the interconnectedness of physical and mental health. Verdonk adds that anxiety and depressive symptoms often emerge in girls during puberty, and the role of the hormonal cycle in women’s mental health remains largely unexplored.

However, Licher also stresses the importance of acknowledging and addressing mental health concerns in men, noting that depression in men is often overlooked. He suggests that increased attention should be given to male mental health, mirroring the growing focus on heart health in women. This highlights the need for a more nuanced understanding of gender-specific mental health challenges and the development of targeted interventions for both men and women.

The Need for Integrated Care and a National Strategy

Licher notes a growing trend towards team-based care, where patients are treated by a multidisciplinary team of specialists. He believes this shift is promising, given the historical focus on single-disease models of care. This integrated approach is particularly crucial for addressing the complex health needs of women, who often experience multiple co-occurring conditions.

Verdonk emphasizes that addressing the health gap between men and women isn’t just a matter of equity; it also makes economic sense. Research, including a McKinsey report, demonstrates the significant economic costs associated with disparities in women’s health. In July 2025, the Dutch government presented a Nationale Strategie Vrouwengezondheid (National Strategy for Women’s Health), signaling a commitment to addressing these issues. Verdonk hopes the new state secretary will prioritize the implementation of this strategy, focusing on areas where the greatest impact can be achieved. The strategy aims to improve women’s health outcomes across the lifespan, from reproductive health to chronic disease management.

Silvan Licher’s Research Focus

Silvan Licher, MD, PhD, at ErasmusMC, focuses his research on syndemics – the clustering of co-occurring epidemics or diseases. According to his profile on Google Scholar, his work centers on individualized prevention, epidemiology, and primary care. He has published extensively on topics including thyroid function and all-cause mortality in the context of multimorbidity, with a recent article appearing in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism in February 2026. His research highlights the importance of understanding the complex interplay of factors that contribute to chronic disease and developing tailored interventions to improve patient outcomes.

Addressing the health gap requires a multifaceted approach, encompassing research, policy changes, and a shift in healthcare delivery. By prioritizing women’s health and investing in integrated care models, we can strive towards a future where all individuals have the opportunity to live longer, healthier lives. The Dutch National Strategy for Women’s Health represents a crucial step in this direction, but sustained commitment and ongoing evaluation will be essential to ensure its success.

The conversation around gender and health is evolving, and recognizing the unique challenges faced by both men and women is paramount. As healthcare systems adapt to address these disparities, a more equitable and effective approach to health and well-being can be achieved.

The Dutch government is expected to provide an update on the implementation of the Nationale Strategie Vrouwengezondheid in the fall of 2026. Stay tuned for further developments as this critical initiative unfolds. What are your thoughts on the health disparities discussed in this article? Share your comments below, and let’s continue the conversation.