Men’s Health Week: The North East has some of the worst male health outcomes in England

A look at how men's health varies across the UK and why local action is key to closing the life expectancy gap.

Transcript

00:00In Newcastle and across Tyne and Weir, men's health is raising red flags.

00:06In the North East, male life expectancy dipped to around 77.2 years between 2020 and 2022,

00:13a drop from 78 before the pandemic. That's the lowest figure in the UK outside of Scotland.

00:20Men aged 65 here live around 16.7 more years, below many other regions.

00:26We're seeing higher rates of chronic illness, heart and lung problems, diabetes,

00:30as well as growing mental health struggles.

00:32Local services warn early detection and community outreach is critical.

00:36As the National Men's Health Call for Evidence reaches here, Newcastle must be included, say experts.

00:42We need local screening, mental wellbeing support and health campaigns crafted to reach northern men,

00:47so this strategy can really save lives.

00:49With the North East continuing to face some of the UK's toughest health challenges,

00:54charities say stronger outreach and earlier support are key.