The non-health related reason some men are at higher risk of coronavirus

By now, we all know that age, as well as health problems like diabetes, heart disease and cancer, can put us at high risk of dying from COVID-19.

However, data collected since this pandemic began has found a shocking truth that’s leaving older men at even higher risk of coronavirus.

And it has nothing to do with their health…

Senior men, coronavirus and behavioral changes

The truth is that anyone over the age of 60 is more likely to end up with the too-often deadly complications that come with coronavirus.

But a May study published in The Journals of Gerontology has found that men between the ages of 65 and 81 are at especially high risk of actually getting the virus in the first place.

And you may not believe why…

They’re simply less likely to be worried about getting the virus. And since they don’t really see it as a concern, they are also less likely to take precautions to avoid exposure — precautions that could save their lives such as social distancing, wearing a mask in crowded public spaces and avoiding touching their faces.

The impact of worrying less

It may seem odd that men in the age group with the highest risk levels would worry less about the coronavirus pandemic and the dangers it poses to their own health, but previous research has shown that, in a variety of contexts and across the board, older people tend to worry less than their younger peers.

This could be a good thing since stress and anxiety can weaken your immune system and actually leave you more vulnerable to infection and disease.

Still, in the case of coronavirus, a little worry might be the best thing possible if it leads to behavioral changes that can help ward off the virus such as avoiding hitting the grocery store at peak shopping times and washing your hands longer and more often.

The good news

The study did have some good news…

Despite the fact that the survey the results were based on was conducted early in the spread (from March 23 to March 31), all but one participant rated themselves as at least slightly concerned about the pandemic. This led to at least some precautions, which varied by level of concern, with older men making the fewest changes.

On the other hand, women in that same age range of 65 to 81 did not significantly differ from younger adults in terms of the total number of behavior changes made. And they were the most likely to report social distancing and avoiding public places where exposure to the virus was most likely to occur.

Go ladies!

We’re still learning so much about coronavirus and its complications that taking precautions just makes sense. Hopefully, the pandemic will end soon… but until then, stay safe.

And for more information that everyone should know on the virus, here are a few important coronavirus facts you may have missed.

Sources:

1. COVID-19 Worries and Behavior Changes in Older and Younger Men and Women — The Journals of Gerontology
2. People Who Are at Increased Risk for Severe Illness — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention