The 2025 GatherVerse Men’s Health Summit, held on November 19–20, brought together a unique cross-section of tech developers, healthcare experts, and community leaders to discuss the challenges facing men’s health and explore how emerging technologies can provide innovative solutions. The summit focused on the need for tailored approaches to men’s well-being, leveraging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), telehealth, wearable sensors, and digital platforms.
A key issue highlighted at the summit is the reality that many men delay seeking medical care, receive fragmented health support, or fail to engage in preventive health behaviors, all of which contribute to poorer health outcomes. Studies have shown that men, particularly in the U.S., are more likely than women to skip regular check-ups and screenings, which often leads to undiagnosed conditions and a higher risk for serious diseases. On average, men live about five years less than women and face a greater incidence of chronic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer. Despite these disparities, the healthcare system has traditionally been less responsive to the unique needs of men, often overlooking the ways in which men interact with health systems and their distinct health priorities.
Emerging technologies, however, present an opportunity to address these gaps and improve health outcomes for men. One of the central themes at the summit was the potential for technology to bridge the gap between men’s health challenges and healthcare solutions. For example, telehealth offers a way to provide healthcare services remotely, which is especially valuable given that many men report difficulty finding time to visit a doctor due to work or family commitments. The convenience and flexibility of telehealth could encourage men to seek care more regularly and prevent conditions from worsening due to delayed diagnoses.
Wearable technology also holds great promise for men’s health. Devices such as smartwatches, fitness trackers, and health monitors allow for continuous health data collection, making it easier for men to keep track of their physical well-being. These devices can monitor everything from heart rate and sleep patterns to activity levels and blood oxygen levels. For men who are less inclined to visit a doctor regularly, this kind of self-monitoring can empower them to take control of their health and make adjustments in real time. By tracking key health indicators and offering insights into potential issues, wearables can promote greater health awareness and prevent diseases before they become more serious.
Another area of focus at the summit was the role of AI in transforming men’s healthcare. AI has the potential to revolutionize diagnostics, treatment personalization, and early intervention. AI algorithms can analyze vast amounts of health data, identifying patterns that might not be immediately apparent to human doctors. By integrating AI with wearable devices and telehealth platforms, healthcare providers can offer more accurate, personalized treatment plans, which could improve health outcomes for men, particularly those in underserved or rural areas.
The summit also explored the importance of making health platforms more male-friendly. Men often face stigma around seeking help for health issues, especially those related to mental health or sexual health. To overcome this, the event emphasized the need to design health interventions that align with men’s identities and preferences. This includes developing digital platforms that integrate with activities or communities that men already engage with, such as sports or peer groups. By creating spaces where men feel comfortable and understood, these platforms can encourage men to take a more proactive approach to their health.
Despite the optimism surrounding these technologies, the summit also acknowledged several important challenges. The widespread adoption of these innovations must address issues of equity and accessibility. Not all men have the same access to digital tools, and disparities in income, education, and geography can exacerbate existing health inequities. As digital health tools become more widespread, it is crucial that they are designed to be accessible to all men, including those from disadvantaged backgrounds or those who lack digital literacy. There is also the concern of data privacy and the ethical use of personal health information. Ensuring that men’s health data is protected and used responsibly is critical to the success and acceptance of these technologies.
In addition to exploring the technological advancements, the summit underscored the importance of integrating these innovations into the broader healthcare system. It is not enough for men to have access to telehealth or wearables if these tools are not connected to the care they receive from traditional healthcare providers. To maximize the effectiveness of digital health tools, healthcare systems must adapt to incorporate these innovations into their workflows, ensuring that data from digital platforms feeds directly into the care process and informs decision-making.
As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, the summit highlighted the need for continued collaboration between the technology sector, healthcare providers, and men’s health advocates. Successful implementation of these solutions will require cross-sector partnerships and an ongoing dialogue to ensure that the needs of men are met in ways that are both practical and effective. Furthermore, it will require a cultural shift to overcome the stigma around men’s health and encourage more men to engage with healthcare services.
The potential impact of these innovations is significant. With the right support and guidance, technology could play a key role in addressing the health disparities that men face, helping them live longer, healthier lives. However, as the summit emphasized, success will not be achieved overnight. It will take time to build trust in these new technologies and to ensure that they are accessible, effective, and widely used. But with continued investment and collaboration, the future of men’s health could be brighter than ever before.
Ultimately, the GatherVerse Men’s Health Summit is a critical step in addressing the complex issues surrounding men’s well-being. By bringing together innovators, healthcare professionals, and community leaders, the event highlighted the transformative potential of technology to improve men’s health, while also acknowledging the challenges that must be overcome to ensure that these innovations benefit all men.
