Life expectancy for men in the UK

Men in the UK have a lower average life expectancy than women, a gap of roughly three to four years that has narrowed over time.

Important. The figures below describe statistical associations across populations, drawn from published research. They are not a prediction about any individual. Outcomes vary widely between people in both directions, and many factors are modifiable. This is not medical advice. For personal guidance, speak to a GP.

The difference reflects a mix of biological factors and historically higher rates of smoking, heavy drinking, and cardiovascular disease among men, alongside differences in health-seeking behaviour. The gap is not fixed and responds to the same modifiable factors that affect everyone.

What moves the figure most

For men as a group, not smoking, staying physically active, maintaining a healthy weight, and managing cardiovascular risk are the factors most strongly associated with living longer. These individual levers matter far more than the population average.

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