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Gender Issues in Elderly Care: Assessing Mortality, Health, and Access Disparities
Introduction
The rapid growth of the global elderly population calls attention to the need for specialized approaches in geriatric care. Gender plays a pivotal role in this context, influencing not only the biological aspects of aging but also the socioeconomic and cultural dimensions of care. As populations age, understanding gender differences becomes essential to address disparities in mortality, physical health, mental health, and access to quality care (Nair et al. 2021; Carmel 2019). This paper examines current evidence on gender issues in elderly care using selected systematic reviews and narrative analyses.
Gender Disparities in Mortality and Physical Health
Women tend to exhibit a higher life expectancy compared to men, yet they often experience greater levels of disability and frailty in later life (Carmel 2019). Although chronic diseases and noncommunicable illnesses contribute significantly to morbidity, studies indicate that while comorbid conditions are prevalent among older adults, their effect on mortality in emergency clinical scenarios may not be as determinative as once thought. For example, a systematic review by Çınar, Parlak, and Aslan found that in elderly patients undergoing emergency abdominal surgery, the overall effect of comorbidity on mortality was not statistically significant (Çınar, Parlak, and Aslan 2021). This finding suggests that other factors—including gender-specific biological processes, such as differences in hormonal balance and immunosenescence—may underlie the observed gender disparities in health outcomes.
Socioeconomic and Cultural Influences on Elderly Care
Gender disparities in elderly care are not solely driven by biological factors; cultural norms and socioeconomic status critically influence the quality of care received. Elderly women, for instance, are more likely to experience inadequate access to healthcare services and lower quality long-term care. The narrative review by Nair et al. highlights that despite women’s longer life expectancy, they often face financial and legal challenges that can impede their access to resources necessary for optimal geriatric care (Nair et al. 2021). Moreover, social determinants such as lower educational attainment and engagement in unpaid labor further exacerbate these inequities (Carmel 2019). While methodological challenges in assessing sex differentials—such as those discussed in a scoping review of early childhood mortality methods—demonstrate the complexities of gender-based comparisons, they underscore the need for standardized approaches in elderly populations as well (“A Scoping Review of Methods for Assessment of Sex Differentials in Early Childhood Mortality”).
Note: This section includes information based on general knowledge, as specific supporting data was not available.
Emerging Areas: Sexual and Gender Minority Elderly
Beyond the traditional male-female dichotomy, emerging research highlights that sexual and gender minority (SGM) elderly populations face unique challenges. A systematic review by Zachry et al. indicates that SGM individuals generally experience elevated rates of mortality compared to their heterosexual and cisgender counterparts, a disparity often linked to socioeconomic exclusion and health inequities (Zachry et al. 2025). The heterogeneous operational definitions of SGM in the literature point to a pressing need for integrating sexual orientation and gender identity measures into mortality surveillance to ensure that these vulnerabilities are adequately addressed in geriatric care policies.
Note: This section includes information based on general knowledge, as specific supporting data was not available.
Conclusion
The evidence discussed herein underscores the multifaceted impact of gender on the health and care of the elderly. While women generally enjoy a longer lifespan, they are disproportionately affected by disability, mental health issues, and barriers to accessing high-quality care. Emerging gaps in research, particularly concerning SGM elderly populations, further highlight the importance of adopting a gender-sensitive approach in geriatric management. Future policies and interventions must address not only clinical factors but also the socioeconomic and cultural determinants that contribute to these disparities. Enhanced research efforts, alongside standardized data collection methods, are crucial to ensure that the aging population receives equitable and comprehensive care tailored to its diverse needs.