Looking at the patterns of death and destruction for men, one cannot help noticing that a substantial number of these deaths are preventable.

For every $1 AUD spent on prevention we could save $14.30 in treatment 

Euan Black in the Financial Review describes the patterns of death associated with different age groups of Australian men. He looks at Adolescence (15-24), Early adulthood (25-44), Midlife (45-64), Later adulthood (65-74) and Old age (75+). Optimum has an extensive data base on Australian workforces – comprising 80% men.  

So, we wanted to see if our data and the risks linked to the patterns of death could be managed – if there was an early warning system in place. Optimum’s age groupings are – 20-29 (18%), 30-39 (24%), 40-49 (25%) with the largest group (32%) in the 50+ year group. 

The top killer in Australian men in early adulthood (24-44) is suicide. This accounts for 25% of deaths in this age segment. Tragically, the highest suicide rate recorded was in 2023 for 55-59 year old males according to Black. 

There are many factors associated with suicide. Optimum has referred 14% of our data base for further professional assessment and assistance in their battle to keep their head healthy. Our data trend is that the younger age group (20-29), self-report higher levels of depression, anxiety, and stress. Understanding that depression could present as anger or grumpiness rather than sadness is a big step to preventing this alarming statistic growing further. 

In the Early adulthood age group (25-44) as with young adolescents (15-24), Black suggests that these men are healthy enough to not to die from chronic conditions and diseases. It is the external factors that impact these two age group most. 

Black then indicates that the data on men at Midlife(45-64) is different. The top killer is coronary heart disease (CHD). These deaths are often preventable. Poor choices over a long time takes its toll. In Optimum’s data base, across all age groupings, over 30% on the workers are in the high-risk category for CHD, 36% at increased risk and 34% in the low-risk category. As age increases so does the risk profile of the Aussie worker with 54% of those aged 60+ in the high-risk zone for CHD. 

The risk factors linked to CHD, as outlined by Black also appear in our data base. 17% of workers smoke. 20% record blood pressures of greater than 140/90mmHg. Within the 60+ years – 39% have high blood pressure. Other risk factors include body weight, waist measurement, body fat levels, blood glucose measures and lifestyle choices such as levels of activity, dietary intake, blood cholesterol, sleeping patterns, and smoking. They all impact the data. 

Optimum has been building individual workers risk profiles for years. National Heart Foundation suggest that 90% of risk factors that can be modified to mitigate the risk of CHD. Prevention is the key to changing these trends.  

The good news is those businesses who have taken the preventative approach have seen significant positive changes in all risk areas across all age groups of their employees. 

If you wish to use a tried and tested system to manage your risks, contact us.