The Gender Gap in Health Engagement: My Reflections and the Research
Over the past eight years of supporting healthy living programs, I’ve noticed a striking pattern: women make up 90% of my participants. This trend isn’t unique to my experience—it reflects broader social and psychological dynamics that shape how men and women engage with their health.
Research consistently shows that women are more health-conscious and proactive about prevention. They’re more likely to:
✔️ Seek out health information ✔️ Recognize and respond to symptoms ✔️ Be motivated by social and emotional connections ✔️ Tap into community networks and share insights ✔️ View health as an ongoing process, not a one-time fix
Men, on the other hand, tend to focus on health when it becomes a problem—when a crisis or noticeable limitation arises. Social norms, gender expectations, and even how health information is marketed play into these patterns.
In my work, I see this dynamic in action. Women show up early, ask questions, and rally others to join. They’re motivated not just by the promise of better health, but by the chance to connect, learn, and support each other.
This is why I tailor programs to be more engaging and relevant for women—but also why I’m keen to find ways to bring more men into the conversation. Health and aging well aren’t just “women’s issues.” We’re all in this together.
I’d love to hear your thoughts!
Do you notice these gender differences in your own circles?
What do you think would help more men engage proactively?
Let’s keep the conversation going. Aging well is for everyone.
The Gender Gap in Health Engagement: My Reflections and the Research
Over the past eight years of supporting healthy living programs, I’ve noticed a striking pattern: women make up 90% of my participants. This trend isn’t unique to my experience—it reflects broader social and psychological dynamics that shape how men and women engage with their health.
Research consistently shows that women are more health-conscious and proactive about prevention. They’re more likely to:
✔️ Seek out health information
✔️ Recognize and respond to symptoms
✔️ Be motivated by social and emotional connections
✔️ Tap into community networks and share insights
✔️ View health as an ongoing process, not a one-time fix
Men, on the other hand, tend to focus on health when it becomes a problem—when a crisis or noticeable limitation arises. Social norms, gender expectations, and even how health information is marketed play into these patterns.
In my work, I see this dynamic in action. Women show up early, ask questions, and rally others to join. They’re motivated not just by the promise of better health, but by the chance to connect, learn, and support each other.
This is why I tailor programs to be more engaging and relevant for women—but also why I’m keen to find ways to bring more men into the conversation. Health and aging well aren’t just “women’s issues.” We’re all in this together.
I’d love to hear your thoughts!
Do you notice these gender differences in your own circles?
What do you think would help more men engage proactively?
Let’s keep the conversation going. Aging well is for everyone.