The estimated average lifespan for men is just about 75 years, which is over five years less than for women.
Shorter lifespans are due at least in part to unhealthy habits among men which decreases their fighting strength and increases their risk of chronic health conditions like heart disease and cancer later in life. Men should modify their behaviors to reduce the impacts to their health while on active duty as well as risks of future fatal health conditions.
Bad health habits among men
Seven common unhealthy habits among adult men in the U.S. include:
- Alcohol consumption and binge drinking. Almost a third of U.S men 18 and over reported drinking 5 or more drinks in a day at least once in the past year.
- Inadequate physical activity. The majority of the U.S. male population 18 years of age and over does not get the recommended weekly aerobic and muscle-strengthening exercises. Aerobic activity is 150 minutes of moderate, or 75 minutes of vigorous activity per week. Muscle-strengthening activity as with weights, is 2 times a week.
How does the military measure fitness? In accordance with the Department of Defense March 10, 2022 policy on body composition (DODI 1308.03: DOD Physical Fitness/Body Composition Program), acceptable fitness or body composition range for active-duty service members is a percent of a person's body fat, or “%BF" – a scientifically valid physical indicator for assessing health status. The policy differentiates standards for men and women due to well-established physiological sex differences in body fat. Active-duty men must maintain %BF between 18 and 26, and women must maintain %BF between 26 and 36.
- Smoking. Over 12% of adult men in the U.S. still report smoking. In recent years this habit is being replaced by 'vaping' and e-cigarettes. Though studies are still early, vaping risks may be greater than with cigarettes due to additional chemicals in the products.
- Obesity. Over a third of U.S adult men are obese – this impacts military enlistment injury rates and more. Read more about military weight and body mass index (BMI) in this factsheet.
- High Blood Pressure (Hypertension). Defined as elevated blood pressure and/or taking antihypertensive medication, an estimated one half of U.S adult men have hypertension. Though often associated with being overweight or obese, even average and low weight adults may have this condition – a doctor can tell you!
- Not getting regular health screenings. Men may have poorer health because they are less likely to get regular medical check-ups or seek medical evaluation as soon as they have a problem. Seeing a doctor for regular check-ups and following through on recommended screening tests can identify diseases early when they are easier to treat. Men are encouraged to Take Charge of Your Health and get routine check-ups. For recommended screening tests for men based on age and personal risk factors read this ARTICLE and guidance here.
- Not practicing safe sex. Use condoms and talk to your health provider about getting about tests for sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
