Men over 50 years of age have a 60% higher risk of early death than women in the same age group, according to a new study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal. The study was done to investigate the variations in the mortality gap between men and women across countries.
The higher risk for men comes partly due to heart disease and heavier rates of smoking in men, says the study.
The study looked at people in 28 countries. It analysed the health, socioeconomic and lifestyle factors that contribute to the differences in mortality risks for men and women.