Why do women outlive men? (2024)

FAQs

What is the main reason women outlive men? ›

There are four main factors, including: Cardiovascular disease — Men are at a greater risk of developing cardiovascular disease and other related diseases, such as stroke. The double X chromosomes — Compared with men, women are less likely to develop conditions associated with genetic mutations, such as hemophilia.

Biological differences also help to explain women's higher longevity. Scientists believe that estrogen in women combats conditions such as heart disease by helping reduce circulatory levels of harmful cholesterol.

The higher life expectancy of women is often attributed to the fact that women generally eat healthier and pay more attention to their health. On average, women visit the doctor earlier and more often than men, generally drink less alcohol, use less tobacco and pay more attention to a healthy diet [Griswold et al.

Across the world, women tend to live longer than men for a variety of reasons, some biological—such as hormonal differences—and some behavioral. Women tend to visit doctors more frequently and are less likely to smoke and drink excessively, for example. That's been true in the U.S. for a long time.

Sex differences in human intelligence have long been a topic of debate among researchers and scholars. It is now recognized that there are no significant sex differences in average IQ, though particular subtypes of intelligence vary somewhat between sexes.

Hence, a major reason for women living longer than men is at the genetic level. And an obvious and major difference at the genetic level for women is that they have two X Chromosomes whereas men only have one X chromosome. The second major difference is in the hormones themselves.

Walkaway Spouse Syndrome, colloquially known as “neglected spouse syndrome,” unfolds when a spouse decide to part ways with their significant other without any prior warning, leaving a trail of unanswered questions. Why would a spouse opt for an abrupt divorce instead of exploring alternatives like couples therapy?

Most researchers agree that women are more emotionally expressive, but not that they experience more emotions than men do.

The most common reason women give for leaving their husbands is "mental cruelty." When legal grounds for divorce are stated, about half report they have been emotionally abused. But the mental cruelty they describe is rarely the result of their husband's efforts to drive them crazy.

Even though BMI remains the go-to measurement of body health, research suggests that paying attention to waist measurements may be more accurate. Specifically, research into WHR points to why pear-shaped people tend to live longer than apple-shaped people, even if their overall weights and heights are comparable.

Which gender is the strongest? ›

While men are stronger when it comes to muscle strength, women are more powerful when it comes to endurance training.

Many widows, divorcees and single women have succeeded despite all obstacles in either finding a man—or in learning to live without one.

Testosterone Supports the Development of Thicker Skin.

On the flip side, estrogen, a hormone typically present in much higher levels in women than men, can prompt collagen degradation. Because men have lower levels of estrogen, the decline in healthy collagen production tends to be less dramatic with age.

Heart disease accounted for 21.8% of deaths among females and 24.2% of deaths among males. Cancer accounted for 20.7% of deaths among females and 21.9% of deaths among males. Heart disease: females: 21.8%, males: 24.2%.

Women have a longevity gene that men lack. The extra X chromosome may be associated with greater antibody production.

Biologically, women possess advantages such as genetic resilience and hormonal protection against conditions like heart disease. Behavioral differences contribute, with men more prone to risk-taking behaviors like smoking and reckless driving.