Women generally outlive men but spend a greater share of their lives in poor health, according to research cited by health advisers. The World Economic Forum’s analysis, referenced by clinicians, indicates women live longer but experience roughly 25% more years in ill health than men.
Complex needs across the life course
Clinicians say treating women’s health as a single category risks overlooking the shifting needs that occur from adolescence through to older age. Adolescent health, reproductive care, pregnancy, menopause, bone health and chronic disease management each carry distinct priorities, yet experts argue these areas are often bundled together or handled only reactively.
Dr Nandipa Mafongosi, a senior medical adviser at Bestmed Medical Scheme, told the source that while women frequently serve as family caregivers and planners, their own wellbeing can be neglected. She said ensuring access to appropriate information, reliable healthcare and trusted professionals empowers women to adopt a proactive approach rather than waiting until conditions worsen.
“Women are often the caregivers, planners and pillars of their families, but looking after everyone else shouldn’t come at the expense of their own wellbeing.” — Dr Nandipa Mafongosi
Screening benefits such as Pap smears and mammograms remain underutilised, the reporting noted, contributing to later presentations for conditions that could be detected earlier and treated more effectively.
Consequences for health services and families
A longer lifespan coupled with more years lived in poor health has implications for health systems, households and workplaces. Women who shoulder caregiving and work responsibilities while managing chronic conditions may face higher healthcare costs, reduced income-earning ability and greater care needs as they age. Health planners must therefore consider not only longevity but the quality of those additional years.
Where screening and preventive services are underused, conditions that are amenable to early intervention can progress to more complex and costly states. That burden affects public and private payers and can place additional strain on families who provide unpaid care.
- Prevention gaps: Low uptake of routine screenings undermines early detection.
- Life-course approach: Different stages require tailored services and messaging.
- Caregiver burden: Women often prioritise family health over their own, delaying care.
| Life stage | Typical health priorities |
|---|---|
| Adolescence | Education on sexual and reproductive health, vaccination, mental health support |
| Reproductive years | Family planning, antenatal care, STI screening |
| Menopause | Symptom management, bone health, cardiovascular risk assessment |
| Older age | Chronic disease management, mobility and bone health, multimorbidity care |
These categories reflect the way health needs change over time and underscore the need for integrated, stage-appropriate services rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.
What this means for policy and practice
Health authorities and schemes are urged to promote and facilitate access to screening and preventive care, and to craft health messaging that recognises women’s caregiving roles. Employers and community organisations can also play a part by making services more accessible and normalising routine health checks.
Clinicians and medical advisers stress the importance of trusted healthcare relationships: having an accessible clinician or clinic and clear information helps women act earlier. Where barriers exist — practical, financial or cultural — they should be identified and addressed so that longer lives are also healthier lives.
Readers are reminded that while population-level research points to broad patterns, individual health needs vary. Consult your clinic or healthcare provider for personal medical advice rather than self-diagnosing.
Further reading and action points:
- Ask your healthcare provider about recommended screenings for your age and risk profile.
- Encourage workplaces to support time off for screening and preventive care.
- Community health campaigns should tailor messages to life-stage needs to boost uptake.
