Women and reproductive health in a graying world

Gender differences in longevity suggest that the health problems in both developed and developing countries will largely be the problems of older women. As life expectancy increases, the important causes of death and ill health change. Older women's health issues and reproductive health needs are different from those of younger women. Biological susceptibility to various conditions also differs between the sexes. Monitoring of differences in incidence can better direct preventive efforts and contribute to improving the quality of life for aging women worldwide. (C) 2000 International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics.