Women live significantly more than men. Studies reveal that the life expectancy of women is around 80 years, while that of men is 75.
This trend is kept regardless of where they live, how much money they win or many other factors. It even occurs in most mammals.
“It is a very solid phenomenon worldwide, which remains in various circumstances: diseases, famines, epidemics and even in times of starvation”, Explained Dena Dubal, a professor of neurology at the University of California at San Francisco.
However, the reasons behind this difference are complex and are not yet completely established. In addition, living more does not necessarily mean living better. According to Bérénice Benayoun, associate professor at the Leonard Davis Faculty of Gerontology of the University of Southern California (USC), Women usually have a shorter healthy life expectancy than men, that is, they spend less years in good health. In general, in old age they are more fragile physically and more vulnerable to diseases such as cardiovascular problems and Alzheimer’s, partly because age itself is a risk factor.
Scientists investigate why men and women age differently, hoping to prolong life and improve the quality of both.
“If we understand what makes a sex more resistant or more vulnerable, we can identify new molecular ways and knowledge to develop therapies that benefit both,” said Dubal.
Next, some of the causes of this difference in longevity.
Genetics
Diverse Research suggests that the pair of XX sex chromosomes in women can influence their longevityalthough it is not yet completely understood how.
For example, a 2018 study conducted in the Dubal laboratory analyzed mice with different combinations of sexual chromosomes and reproductive organs. Those who had two X and Ovar chromosomes lived longer, followed by those with two X chromosomes and testicles. Mice with Xy chromosomes lived less.
“There was something on the second X chromosome that protected the mice of dying before, even if they had testicles,” Dubal explained. “What if that second X chromosome had a small secret from the youth source?”
Although these studies have not yet been replicated in humans, Dubal said that similarities in hormones, sex chromosomes and reproductive systems suggest that findings could be applicable to people.
Epigenetic factors –environmental elements or lifestyle such as climate or chronic stress that influence gene expression– They can also affect the duration of life, expanding or reducing the difference between men and women, explained Montserrat Anguera, associate professor of biomedical sciences of the veterinary faculty of the University of Pennsylvania.
Hormones
Researchers also analyze the role of sex hormones, such as estrogen, in longevity, especially in its effect on the immune system.
“There is evidence that, At least before menopause, the female immune system is stronger, more active and more efficient ”, Benayoun pointed out. In general, men tend to respond worse to infections, which could shorten their life expectancy. In addition, they are more likely to die of sepsis.
A 2017 analysis He revealed that the women who experienced menopause after 50 lived more than those whose menopause occurred before. When estrogen levels decrease, as is the case during menopause, the female immune system weakens. From that moment on, women reach or even exceed men in the development of diseases that were less common before menopause, Benayoun explained.
Lifestyle and behavior
Life habits play a key role in the difference in longevity.
In general, lAs women are less likely than men to smoking or drinking in excess, behaviors that contribute significantly to mortalityexplained Kyle Bourassa, psychologist and researcher at the Center for the study of aging and human development of the University of Duke.
In addition, they tend to adopt more “behaviors that promote health”, such as using the seat belt or going to newspaper medical check -ups. They are also more likely to socialize, which protects them from the negative effects of isolation and loneliness.
A 2023 analysis revealed that women are less likely to die from drug overdose or suicide.
External factors
Social issues such as war and armed violence disproportionately affect men, said Naoko Muramatsu, professor of community health sciences at the University of Illinois, Chicago.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, male mortality rates were higher. Studies showed that men were more likely to work in high -risk sectors, such as food preparation or construction, as well as being in street or prison situation, factors that increased their vulnerability.
Conclusion
The gap in life expectancy is the result of a combination of biological, hormonal, behavioral and social factors, explained Alan Cohen, an associate professor of Environmental Health Sciences at the Mailman School of Public Health of the University of Columbia.
“There are probably thousands of ways in which this happens,” he said.
While some factors, such as alcohol, tobacco and diet consumption, can be controlled, it is not yet clear how much a change in these habits in longevity really influences, Bourassa warned.
“We need more precise studies to separate these effects and better understand their impact,” he concluded.