/s3/static.nrc.nl/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/10140334/120326DAT_2032104781_gezond.jpg "Older But Sicker: Women Outlive Men, But With More Years in Poor Health")
Older But Sicker: Women Outlive Men, But With More Years in Poor Health
The gap in health outcomes between men and women in the Netherlands is a longstanding issue, with women consistently living longer but experiencing more years in poor health. Recent data and analysis, including findings from the Central Bureau of Statistics’ (CBS) 2025 Health Survey, highlight a pattern where women are more likely to live with chronic conditions, impacting their overall well-being despite increased longevity. This disparity isn’t simply a matter of biology, but is deeply intertwined with societal factors, lifestyle choices, and how healthcare systems address conditions that disproportionately affect women.
Silvan Licher, a clinical epidemiologist at Erasmus MC and a physician in training, points to a critical issue within medicine itself: illnesses that are chronic and debilitating, but not immediately life-threatening, often receive less attention. These are precisely the conditions women are more likely to experience. “These are conditions where women suffer more often than men,” Licher explains, as reported by NRC Handelsblad.
The Role of Socioeconomic Factors and Lifestyle
A significant contributing factor to the health gap is the earlier mortality rate among men, particularly those with lower levels of education. Petra Verdonk, a psychologist and co-founder of the Dutch Association for Gender and Health, notes that men in these demographics are more likely to work in physically demanding jobs and adopt less healthy lifestyles. This combination contributes to a higher risk of premature death, skewing the overall longevity statistics. Still, it doesn’t negate the fact that women, while living longer, are increasingly burdened by chronic illnesses.
These chronic conditions include issues like pelvic floor disorders and rheumatoid arthritis, as Verdonk observes. The CBS data confirms this trend, showing that women consistently rate their health as poorer than men – a pattern that has persisted for decades. This isn’t a new development, but the lack of substantial change over time is concerning. The data from the Gezondheidsenquête 2025 underscores a systemic issue requiring focused attention.
Seeking Help and the Complexity of Women’s Health
Interestingly, the CBS research also reveals that women are more likely to seek healthcare than men. Licher emphasizes that this isn’t indicative of women being more prone to complaining, but rather a tendency to consult doctors for genuine health concerns. “Nobody goes to the doctor for fun,” he states. This suggests that women are actively engaging with the healthcare system, yet still experiencing poorer health outcomes.
The differences in health presentation develop into more pronounced after age 25, potentially due to the onset of chronic conditions and the start of the childbearing years for many women. This period often coincides with an increased risk of mental health challenges. Women experience higher rates of anxiety and depression than men, contributing significantly to healthcare costs and workforce absenteeism. Licher notes that these mental health issues can range from anxiety and depression to more severe psychiatric conditions.
Comorbidity and the Need for Integrated Care
Licher highlights a growing challenge in healthcare: the increasing prevalence of comorbidity – the presence of multiple conditions simultaneously. These complex cases, such as individuals with both heart failure and depression, often fall outside the scope of traditional, single-specialty care models. This requires a more integrated approach to treatment, one that considers the interplay between physical and mental health.
The impact of hormonal cycles on women’s mental health is another area requiring further research, according to Verdonk. At the same time, she cautions against overlooking the possibility of underdiagnosed depression in men. Recognizing and addressing these gender-specific nuances is crucial for improving overall health outcomes.
A Shift Towards Multidisciplinary Approaches
We find signs of progress. The Dutch government presented a National Strategy for Women’s Health in July 2025, signaling a growing awareness of the need for targeted interventions. Research also suggests that closing the health gap could yield economic benefits. Both Licher and Verdonk urge the new state secretary to prioritize the implementation of this strategy and to foster more multidisciplinary care models.
Licher observes a growing trend towards team-based care, where patients are treated by a collaborative group of specialists. He remains optimistic about the pace of change, noting that the shift away from a disease-focused model towards a more holistic approach is gaining momentum.
What’s on the Horizon for Women’s Health?
The focus now is on translating policy into action. Verdonk emphasizes the need to identify areas where interventions will have the greatest impact and to implement them swiftly. This requires a commitment to research, data collection, and a willingness to challenge existing paradigms in healthcare. The National Strategy for Women’s Health, available on the Dutch government website, provides a framework for addressing these challenges. Further investigation into the complex interplay between gender, health, and societal factors will be essential to ensure that women not only live longer, but also live healthier lives.
The McKinsey report referenced in NRC Handelsblad (The Hidden Cost of Women’s Health Disparities) provides further evidence of the economic benefits of investing in women’s health, reinforcing the urgency of addressing this critical issue.