Life Expectancy Gap Increases Among Women in Rich and Poor Countries

Women aged 50 and older in various parts of the world are healthier now than they were 20 to 30 years ago, according to report released Sunday.

The World Health Organization found that the life expectancy gap is widening between older women in rich and poor countries.

They also reported that heart disease, stroke and cancers are the leading causes of death of women 50 years and older, globally.

These deaths however may occur at earlier ages in developing countries, the WHO noted.

This study was one of the first to analyze the causes of death of women aged 50 and older from a range of rich and poor countries.

The researchers found out that women are meeting an earlier death because they live in countries that lack the money and resources to prevent, detect and treat non-communicable diseases.

"Developed countries have the health systems and means to reduce and control cardiovascular problems. VOA screening and treatment programs also are successfully reducing the incidence of breast and cervix cancer," said Colin Mathers, head of the WHO Mortality and Burden of Disease Unit.

He also noted that cervical cancer is one of the leading cancers in African women.