Health strategy aims to increase life expectancy of Irish men

A new health strategy has been developed aimed at increasing the life expectancy of Irish men, currently seven years less than that of Irish women.

The main two causes of premature death in men aged 65 to 74 are cardiovascular disease and cancer. More Irish men than women die at every age group up to 65. The reason more Irish women over 65 die is that so many men do not reach that age.

Titled Men, Our Health, the new strategy aims to improve men's health in Galway, Mayo and Roscommon. It was developed by an interdisciplinary group comprising Western Health Board staff and representatives from other sectors.

The regional manager for corporate affairs and population health with the board, Dr Sean Conroy, said this was the first strategy of its kind in Ireland although the Department of Health may be issuing a similar document this year.

The strategy report says: "Men as a group have not pushed for attention to men's health. Instead issues in the area have been raised by others because of observed high death rates. Men as individuals do not rate health as a high priority and tend to ask for help at a later stage and with a degree of reluctance."

The strategy highlights fathering as the No 1 priority and recommends an increase in the number of fathers taking part in prenatal classes, parental leave and parenting classes.

Health checks are recommended for boys at 14 years of age, and positive awareness of mental health issues, including relationships and sexuality, should be promoted in boys between 13 and 18.

In the 19-to-44 age group, men's health should be promoted in the workplace, community, third-level institutions and leisure groups. Physical health awareness should be increased and mental health awareness programmes supported. Early detection of cancer and coronary heart disease should be promoted for men in the 45-to-64 age group.