Men & women

There are important biological and behavioural differences between men and women that lead to different health and welfare outcomes throughout life. By understanding these differences targeted interventions can be applied.

Men and women have different life expectancies and rates of certain chronic diseases, and use the health care system in different ways. For example, rates of coronary heart disease are higher among men, women are more likely to die from dementia and Alzheimer disease, and women use health services more frequently.

Men and women also have different experiences of poverty, incarceration, violence, and homelessness. For example, women are more likely than men to use homelessness services and to be a victim of domestic violence. Men are more likely to be in prison and to experience physical violence than women.

Men and women also experience different health and welfare outcomes within population subgroups, such as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, rural and remote communities, and different socioeconomic areas. The AIHW reports broadly across these subgroups to examine differences and inequalities that may exist. Further information on men and women can be found in the various topic areas on this website, including:

• Mothers and babies
• Veterans’ health
• Older people
• Indigenous Australians