A new study of more than 6,000 adults aged 50 and older has found notable differences in how men and women approach healthcare and aging. While older women tend to prioritize quality of life over simply extending lifespan, men are more likely to focus on living longer and to rely on healthcare professionals for medical decisions.

The findings come from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA), a long-running research project led by UCL with fieldwork conducted by the National Centre for Social Research. Researchers examined participants' views on six key aspects of healthcare, including risk-taking, future planning, quality versus length of life, body function versus appearance, willingness to try experimental treatments, and preferences for medical decision-making.

According to Prof. Nicholas Steel of UEA’s Norwich Medical School, women were significantly more likely to value quality of life, question medical advice, avoid unnecessary risks, and be less willing to try experimental treatments. Men, in contrast, were more inclined to prioritize longevity and leave healthcare decisions to medical professionals.

The study also found that age strongly influences healthcare preferences. Adults aged 75 and above were generally more risk-averse, less interested in experimental treatments, and more likely to trust doctors to make treatment decisions than people in their 50s and early 60s. Older participants also placed greater importance on maintaining physical function rather than appearance.

Despite these overall trends, researchers emphasized that healthcare preferences differ widely from person to person. Responses varied considerably across all age groups, demonstrating that there is no single profile of an "average" older patient. These findings reinforce the importance of personalized healthcare rather than relying on assumptions based on age or gender.

Prof. Paola Zaninotto, Professor of Statistics and Epidemiology at UCL and Deputy Director of ELSA, noted that although broad differences by age, sex, and education were observed, individual preferences varied greatly. She stressed that healthcare professionals should engage patients in meaningful conversations to understand what matters most to them instead of making assumptions.

The study also revealed that individuals with fewer educational opportunities were more likely to defer treatment decisions to their doctors. Co-author Dr. Oby Enwo highlighted the need to ensure that shared decision-making is accessible to everyone, regardless of educational background, and emphasized the importance of treating every clinical consultation as a conversation centered on the patient's priorities.

Researchers believe these insights can help clinicians better understand patients' values during routine appointments, leading to more personalized care, improved patient satisfaction, and better health outcomes. However, they caution that demographic characteristics should only serve as general indicators and should never replace direct discussions with individual patients about their healthcare preferences.

Source: https://www.uea.ac.uk/about/news/article/life-or-lifespan-women-over-50-prioritise-enjoyment-over-longevity-study-finds