Welfare and health

Gender differences exist in welfare, health, morbidity, lifestyles and mortality. Inclusion is also a gender-based phenomenon: for example, social exclusion is more common among young men than young women.

There are gender differences in the use of many public services, such as social, health and employment services.

Gender differences in health and welfare

Men have a lower life expectancy than women. According to Statistics Finland's population statistics, the life expectancy for newborn girls in Finland was 83.8 years in 2022 while the corresponding figure for newborn boys was 78.6 years. 

Men accounted for approximately two-thirds of deaths among people of working age in 2020. Men are more likely to die from alcohol, suicide and accident than women.

Around one-third of women and men perceive their health as being on an average level or worse. Women are more likely to have a long-term illness or health problem than men. 

Men are more physically active than women during their free time. Use of alcohol and tobacco products is more common among men than women.

There is some research data concerning the health and welfare of people belonging to gender minorities. For example, research shows that young trans persons are  less satisfied with their health than young cis persons. Young trans persons also experience more symptoms of depression and anxiety. On the other hand, the experience that a person can express their gender has a positive impact on health and welfare.

Services and gender

Women are more active than men as users of many social, health and employment services. Men are more likely to perceive the use of health and social services to be smoother than women. 

People who belong to a gender minority have varying experiences of services. For example, inadequate information on issues related to gender minorities and fear of discrimination may make it difficult for intersex and transgender persons to apply for services.