The Female Advantage: Unraveling the Science Behind Women’s Longer Lifespans

March 26, 2023

by Cathe Friedrich

There is an age-old biological difference between males and females that impacts their lifespans. Women outlive men globally, with a lifespan advantage of 4.2 years on average. According to a 2019 review study, men have an average life expectancy of 68, while women’s life expectancy stands at 72.2.

This gender gap in life expectancy has been an area of discussion and intrigue for decades. Why is there a discrepancy between the genders? Current research suggests it is due to various factors, including biology, lifestyle, and social and economic factors.

Some sources believe women have a longer life expectancy than men due to healthier lifestyle choices but is that the only reason? Let’s explore the factors that contribute to women living longer than men, and men can play “catch up.”

Lifestyle Factors

One reason women tend to live longer than men is that they often make healthier lifestyle choices. On average, women perform better in terms of lifestyle habits. The female gender is more likely to make smarter dietary choices, more likely to exercise and get enough sleep, and less likely to engage in risky behavior like smoking, drinking, and using drugs. Auto accidents are another cause of premature mortality, and women tend to be more conservative behind the wheel. Females are less likely to use a heavy foot on the gas pedal and develop injuries from car accidents.

Plus, women are more likely to take advantage of preventative health care by getting regular check-ups and screenings that can detect potential health issues before they become life-threatening. Furthermore, women are more likely to eat a balanced diet and get regular exercise. All these lifestyle choices contribute to longevity. This proactive approach to health care can help women master their physical and mental well-being, leading to longer and healthier lives and better quality of life.

Biological Differences in Longevity

Women have two X chromosomes, while men have one X and one Y chromosome. The X chromosome contains genetic material essential for cell function, and having two of them means women have a backup copy of these important genes. This redundancy helps protect women from genetic mutations and defects, giving them a survival advantage over men. The extra X chromosome also gives women a more robust immune system and a slower rate of biological aging.

In addition, women have lower levels of testosterone and higher levels of estrogen. These hormonal differences contribute to better heart health and a reduced risk of heart disease. Estrogen is a hormone produced by the ovaries in women, and to a lesser degree by the adrenal glands in both sexes, and it has many important functions in the body.

One of these functions is to help protect the heart and blood vessels from damage. When estrogen levels are high, as they are before menopause, women have a lower risk of developing heart disease. This is because estrogen helps keep blood vessels flexible and dilated, allowing better blood flow and lower blood pressure.

You may have noticed that women have a lower risk of cardiovascular disease than men before menopause when their estrogen level is higher, but their risk is similar to men’s after menopause when estrogen drops. This shows the role estrogen plays in heart health and longevity.

Estrogen, the primary female sex hormone, also has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that help protect women from age-related diseases, such as heart disease and stroke. Estrogen also helps keep LDL-cholesterol lower and HDL-cholesterol higher, reducing the risk of plaque buildup.

Mental Health

Women also tend to focus more on mental and emotional well-being and engage in activities and relationships beneficial to their mental health. Although females have higher rates of anxiety and depression, they’re more likely to seek help for these issues, talk about them, and work toward a resolution. Therefore, they have a lower risk of premature death due to suicide.

Women also understand that nurturing their mental health is just as important as taking care of their physical health, and are more likely to make it a priority in their lives. Mental health affects longevity beyond suicide. Research links mental health issues, such as depression and social isolation, with higher mortality and a shorter lifespan.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while women generally have a longer life expectancy than men, many factors contribute to their greater longevity. Biological differences, lifestyle choices, and mental health all play a role in life expectancy.

Men can improve their life expectancy by making healthy lifestyle choices, seeking help for mental health issues, and addressing underlying health conditions. When it comes to longevity, lifestyle habits trump genetics, and there are things both genders can do to maximize longevity. These include:

Regular exercise: Physical activity has various health benefits, including improving cardiovascular health, strengthening muscles and bones, and reducing the risk of chronic diseases.
Healthy diet: A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats can lower the risk of chronic diseases.
Stress management: Chronic stress has been linked to various health problems, including cardiovascular disease, immune system dysfunction, and mental health problems. You can reduce the impact of stress on your body by utilizing stress management techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, and mindfulness.
Sleep: Health and well-being depend on high-quality sleep. Lack of sleep and low-quality sleep has been linked to various health benefits, including improved immune function, better cognitive performance, and a lower risk of chronic diseases.
Avoiding risky behaviors: Avoiding behaviors such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and drug abuse can help reduce the risk of various health problems and promote longevity.
Social connections: Maintaining social connections with family and friends helps decrease the impact of stress and promotes a sense of well-being, which can contribute to a longer, healthier life.

Remember, no single lifestyle habit can guarantee longevity, but many science-backed approaches that help promote a longer, healthier life for men and women. Eating a balanced, nutrient-rich diet, exercising regularly, managing stress, and getting plenty of sleep are all key components of a healthy lifestyle that can help support a long, healthy life for both men and women.

Plus, regular health screenings, such as check-ups with your doctor or dentist, can help identify potential issues early, allowing timely intervention and management. And while it may not be the first thing to come to mind, investing in social connections and maintaining strong relationships with family and friends can also help promote a longer, healthier life.

Conclusion

While women generally have a longer life expectancy than men, many factors contribute to their greater longevity. Biological differences, lifestyle choices, and mental health all play a role in life expectancy.

References:

Carmel S. Health and Well-Being in Late Life: Gender Differences Worldwide. Frontiers in Medicine. 2019;6. doi:doi.org/10.3389/fmed.2019.00218.
Freeman A, Mergl R, Kohls E, et al. A cross-national study on gender differences in suicide intent. BMC Psychiat Aryan L, Younessi D, Zargari M, Banerjee S, Agopian J, Rahman S, Borna R, Ruffenach G, Umar S, Eghbali M. The Role of Estrogen Receptors in Cardiovascular Disease. Int J Mol Sci. 2020 Jun 17;21(12):4314. doi: 10.3390/ijms21124314. PMID: 32560398; PMCID: PMC7352426.ry. 2017;17(1). doi:doi.org/10.1186/s12888-017-1398-8.
“Estrogen & The Heart: Risks, Benefits & Side Effects – Cleveland Clinic.” https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/16979-estrogen–hormones.
Xiang D, Liu Y, Zhou S, Zhou E, Wang Y. Protective Effects of Estrogen on Cardiovascular Disease Mediated by Oxidative Stress. Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2021 Jun 28;2021:5523516. doi: 10.1155/2021/5523516. PMID: 34257804; PMCID: PMC8260319.
“Males and females – IIHS-HLDI crash testing and highway safety.” https://www.iihs.org/topics/fatality-statistics/detail/males-and-females.

Lifestyle Factors

Biological Differences in Longevity

Mental Health

Conclusion

Conclusion

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