Women’s health key to international day

Friday March 8th, 2013

It may be International Women’s Day today (8 March) – celebrating the achievements of women worldwide – but two studies have found they are more prone to heart disease and are not happier, despite living longer.

The European Cardiology Society has taken the opportunity on IWD to remind women that they could be at a greater risk for heart disease than they think.

And a second European analysis shows how many women avoid the physical activity that could help keep them fit.

The World Heart Federation study shows how sporting opportunities fail to encourage women to keep fit.

Although studies show a significant improvement in Europe’s heart health, the number of young women having heart attacks is on the rise, with heart disease being the main cause of death for women in each of the 27 EU countries, particularly among smokers.

Although most heart attacks occur in women aged 70 and over, recent data from France demonstrates a show a shift towards an increase in risk for heart attacks among middle-aged women.

As well as smoking, taking the birth control pill, obesity and a sedentary lifestyle are other factors that can increase women’s risk.

According to Professor Maas, society spokesperson, 80% of heart disease is avoidable.

“Women can prevent heart disease by maintaining a healthy lifestyle throughout their entire lives, by exercising regularly, eating a healthy diet, avoiding stress, maintaining a normal weight and not smoking,” she explains.

But there is a lack of knowledge among cardiologists about the gender differences with heart disease - and this means women are less well diagnosed and are undertreated, she said.

Meanwhile the World Heart Federation study finds that German women are physically active - but like French and English women it is not because of taking part in competitive sport.

The study finds that across all countries about half of women are not taking part in competitive sport or undertaking intensive activity.

Also marking the Day is the publication of a collection of essays that reveals the secret care struggle that older women face as they age.

The collection by International Longevity Centre-UK (ILC-UK), titled ‘Has the sisterhood forgotten older women?’, comprises 38 essays that look at health and care systems and how they should better respond to the needs of women.

The essays, penned by high profile authors including Lynne Berry (Women In Public Policy), author Jane Ashcroft, Ros Altmann, Geraldine Bedell of Gransnet, and Heléna Herklots (Carers UK), also explore the need for a stronger focus on the health of older women, recognising that women are disproportionately affected by dementia.

Many of the essays reveal that while women are living longer this does not mean they are happy or healthy in older life.

Michelle Mitchell, charity director general of Age UK, argues that older women are disproportionately affected by inadequacies of care and support. In the UK, women account for two thirds of community care users over the age of 65, and three quarters of people in residential care.

She says: “Despite care having been on the feminist agenda for years, the issue of it in later life has remained shrouded from our viewpoint, as millions struggle in quiet crisis. Yet nowhere are the compound challenges of class, gender and age more evident and nowhere are older women more in need of a voice.”

Launching the compendium, ILC-UK said it was establishing an Older Women’s Policy and Research Action Alliance for future research and policy priorities.

* Meanwhile the British government today was set to commit some £35 million today towards ending female genital mutilation.

Has the Sisterhood forgotten older women

Tags: Elderly Health | Europe | Heart Health | UK News | Women's Health & Gynaecology | World Health

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