Beyond the statistics: How positive role models can improve men's health
By Márcia Costa, Manager, Deloitte Centre for Health Solutions
International Men's Day (IMD), celebrated annually on 19 November, celebrates the positive impact men have on society and emphasises the importance of maintaining health and wellbeing. Its aim is to provide a platform to discuss critical issues like men’s mental health, challenge stereotypes, promote gender equality, and create a safer, better world. Importantly it also aims to raise awareness of the unique health and social challenges that men face. In the UK, like most high-income countries, men still have a shorter life expectancy than women, with higher rates of heart disease, cancer, and suicide. This year’s theme for IMD is ‘Positive Male Role Models’. In this week’s blog we explore some of the health issues and barriers to accessing care men face in the UK and how positive male role models can improve men’s health and well-being.
The state of men’s health in the UK
According to data from the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), men’s average life expectancy in the UK has plateaued over the past decade (79 years in 2012 and 2022, latest available data), compared to women (82.7 years in 2012 and 82.9 years in 2022).[i] In 2019, avoidable mortality was 239.6 deaths per 100,000 population for men (162.9 preventable deaths per 100,000 population and 76.7 treatable deaths per 100,000 population) compared to 150.5 deaths per 100,000 population for women (85.5 preventable deaths per 100,000 population and 64.9 treatable deaths per 100,000 population).[ii] In the same year, more men died due to cancers, and diseases of the circulatory, respiratory, digestive and nervous systems.[iii]
Mental health is a growing area of concern. While women are more likely to be diagnosed with common mental health disorders than men, and admit to having suicide ideation thoughts, men are three times more likely to die by suicide.[iv] In 2023, 6,069 deaths registered in England and Wales were caused by suicide, 75 per cent of which were men.[v] Nearly three quarters of adults who go missing are men and 87 er cent of rough sleepers are men. Men report lower levels of life satisfaction than women and are less likely to assess psychological therapies than women [vi],[vii]
Moreover, inequalities in men’s health outcomes are also prevalent with patterns similar to other population groups. A report published in 2024 by the Movember® Institute of Men’s Health based on extensive review of public data sources showed that:
- where men live is a shocking indicator of how long they will live. For example, in England, between 2018 and 2020, men in least deprived ten per cent of areas lived on average 10 years longer than those in the ten per cent most deprived areas
- men from different ethnic groups experience different health outcomes (men from Black, Black Caribbean, Asian and ethnic minority ancestry are more likely to be at high risk or have a ill health condition than White men)
- gay and bisexual men are more likely to have poorer mental health than heterosexual men).[viii]
The main challenges that prevent men accessing care
Men's shorter life expectancy and higher rates of preventable illnesses, compared to women are, in part, related to men being more likely to engage in more hazardous jobs and harmful behaviours such as smoking, drinking alcohol and misuse of substances. However, men’s attitudes towards seeking healthcare is also a crucial factor. The 2024 Movember® Institute of Men’s Health report included a survey of 1500 men in the UK that showed that 64 per cent of men wait more than 7 days with symptoms before visiting the doctor. The survey further identified several of the perceptions and challenges that men face that prevent them to access care:
- societal expectations and stigma: traditional masculine norms and stigma surrounding mental health often prevent men from acknowledging health concerns, particularly mental health, or seeking help, fearing judgement and perceived weakness
- communication and trust barriers: difficulty expressing emotions and a potential lack of trust in healthcare professionals (64 per cent feel that gender stereotypes have affected their health behaviours and experiences in healthcare settings and 42 per cent have experienced gender bias from their practitioner) can hinder men from effectively communicating their health concerns, leading to potential misdiagnosis or inadequate care
- low health literacy and awareness: limited knowledge of health issues, preventative measures and screenings, and a tendency to underestimate health risks can lead men to delay necessary medical attention (48 per cent of men believe it is normal for men to avoid regular health check-ups).[ix]
These challenges reflect other research that has shown men are less likely than women to identify symptoms and risks of certain conditions as well as have poorer understanding of potential treatments; are less likely to consult their GP and understand the purpose of or participate in health screenings (such as bowel cancer screening and the NHS Health Check); and tend to use health service only once a perceived threshold of ill health has been exceeded and downplay symptoms.[x]
How positive role models can influence men’s health
Promoting positive male role models is crucial to improving men's health in the UK. Role models can challenge harmful stereotypes and inspire healthier behaviours by embodying positive values and actions. Showcasing men embracing vulnerability, healthy lifestyles, and strong relationships can empower a generation to prioritise their well-being and accessing care. These role models can:
- encourage healthy lifestyle choices and champion preventative care through community and sports partnerships and establishing men's health groups to promote healthy lifestyle choices, including nutrition, exercise, and preventative screenings for health risks like cancer or cardiovascular diseases
- raise awareness of men’s health issues, either via campaigns or other community engagement activities that feature relatable male role models sharing their personal experiences with health conditions, helping to break down stigma and encourage men to seek help
- create more inclusive healthcare environments, including training healthcare professionals on the specific health needs and communication styles of men, equipping them to better engage men
- normalise emotional expression and well-being, challenge stigma surrounding vulnerability, and encourage men to express their emotions and seek support
- address risk-taking behaviours, by offering accessible support networks and share inspiring stories of men overcoming challenges such as addiction to demonstrate that positive change is achievable
- model and promote healthy relationships by sharing their skills and knowledge, building strong, healthy relationships, and fostering positive emotional connections with partners and children.
Improving men's health can have a ripple effect, leading to positive changes that extend far beyond the individual, also benefiting their families. Research shows that healthier fathers tend to be more emotionally present and engaged in their children's lives, fostering stronger parent-child bonds can help manage stress better, communicate more effectively, and build healthier relationships with partners and loved ones. Increasing life expectancy also allows men to be present and support their families for longer.
Moreover, investing in men's health creates more resilient communities by enabling them to be more productive in the workplace, thereby boosting the economy; and reducing the strain on healthcare providers. Using a more predictive, preventative, proactive and participatory approach to addressing mental health and substance abuse also contributes to safer communities. Moreover, men who prioritise their well-being can themselves become positive role models, inspiring future generations to adopt healthier lifestyles and attitudes towards healthcare creating a positive chain reaction.
Conclusion
IMD provides a helpful reminder of the importance of promoting conversations about men's health and well-being. But we all owe it to ourselves and our families to adopt a more open and informed approach that acknowledges the challenges men face and together create a future where men accept its ok to prioritise their well-being, live longer, healthier lives, and become positive role models all year round.
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[i] OECD Data Explorer • Health status
[ii] OECD Data Explorer • Avoidable mortality
[iii] OECD Data Explorer • Causes of mortality
[iv] Men and women: statistics | Mental Health Foundation
[v] Big Mental Health Report 2024
[vi] Men and women: statistics | Mental Health Foundation
[vii] Men's mental health - Mental Health UK
[viii] The Real Face of Mens Health Report - Movember UK.pdf
[ix] The Real Face of Mens Health Report - Movember UK.pdf
[x] Key data: understanding of health and access to services | Men's Health Forum
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