Protection and private medical and insurance products have a “vital” role to play in helping maintain improved mortality rates among middle-aged men.
This is according to advisers Health & Protection spoke to following the release of data from the Continuous Mortality Investigation (CMI) last week.
The data provided by CMI Mortality Projections Committee chairman Steve Bale to Health & Protection revealed mortality for males aged 45-to-64 in the first half of 2026 was 3% lower than in the first half of 2025 and 3.3% lower than the 2016-to-2025 10-year average for the first half of the year which includes the pandemic period. This was in line with mortality in the first half of 2012, the previous record low for the time of year.
No single factor
But reasons behind this improvement are myriad.
And Kristian Breeze, director of healthcare at Ascend Broking Group, told Health & Protection that while the improvement in life expectancy among middle-aged men is encouraging, it is unlikely to be the result of any single factor.
“What I am seeing is a gradual shift in attitudes towards health, particularly among men in their 40s and 50s who have become more conscious of their long-term wellbeing following the pandemic,” Breeze said. “Many are engaging more readily with health screenings, fitness initiatives and preventative interventions rather than waiting until symptoms become serious.”
Balancing demanding careers
But at the same time, Breeze added this demographic is often balancing demanding careers, financial responsibilities and caring commitments, which can make it difficult to prioritise their own health consistently.
“That is where private medical insurance and protection products have a vital role to play,” he continued.
“Increasingly, the value extends beyond the core policy and into the preventative health support, virtual GP access, mental wellbeing services and health assessments that encourage earlier intervention and healthier lifestyle choices.”
Changing conversation
All of this means, Breeze explained, that for advisers, the conversation is no longer just about protecting against illness or loss of income.
“It is about helping clients stay healthier for longer. If life expectancy trends are moving in the right direction, the industry should view that as further evidence that investing in prevention, early detection and ongoing health engagement delivers benefits not only for individuals and their families, but for society as a whole,” he added.
Preventative action
Alan Lakey, director at CIExpert and Highclere Financial Services, told Health & Protection that he believes middle-aged men are taking their health more seriously.
“Once you get over the mid-40s aches and problems become more prevalent, it may well be that with the increased focus on health matters – monitoring, various government screening initiatives – this age group is taking more preventative action which is filtering through to better longevity,” Lakey said.
“The pandemic also increased healthier living for many with running, cycling, personal gyms, etc, making for a fitter Britain.”
More health conscious
Rhys Schofield, protection adviser for Peak Mortgages and Protection, agreed, adding there has been a growing trend in people being ever more health conscious.
“They’re going to the gym, exercising and taking care of themselves,” Schofield said. “Just look at the collapsing revenues of drink manufacturers.
“As well as that cardiovascular and cancer care continues to improve, meaning people are much less likely to die at a younger age than they were 20 years ago.
“And the insurers are wise to this. Less claims equals more profit after all.”
