Why Women Live Longer Than Men: The Science Behind the Gender Longevity Gap
From Genetics to Lifestyle: Unraveling the Complex Reasons Women Outlive Men Across Cultures and Species.
Watan-Despite enormous progress in medicine and healthcare, the question “Why do women live longer than men?” continues to intrigue researchers in aging and neuroscience. Across cultures and societies—and even among most mammal species—women have a consistently longer life expectancy than men, as reported by The New York Times.
In the United States, for instance, the average life expectancy is 80 years for women, compared to 75 for men. This pattern holds globally, even under extreme conditions like famine, epidemics, or armed conflicts, according to Dr. Dena Dubal, professor of neurology at the University of California, San Francisco.
Yet despite this clear disparity, the reasons are complex—and longevity doesn’t always equal quality of life.
Dr. Berenice Benayoun, an associate professor at the USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, explains that women may live longer but often spend more years in poor health, with greater vulnerability to conditions like Alzheimer’s and heart disease post-menopause.
Genetics: The “Splash of Life” Factor
Recent studies point strongly to genetic factors, especially the role of sex chromosomes. In a groundbreaking 2018 study from Dr. Dubal’s lab, genetically modified mice showed that having two X chromosomes was linked to longer lifespans.
“There may be something in that second X chromosome that’s like a splash of life,” she said.
Other studies support this hypothesis, highlighting how genetics are shaped by both biology and environment—a concept known as gene-environment interaction, as emphasized by Dr. Montserrat Anguera of the University of Pennsylvania.
Estrogen: The Immune System’s Hidden Ally
Sex hormones also help explain the gap. Estrogen, the primary female hormone, is believed to strengthen immune response before menopause, helping women fight diseases more effectively. Some studies show that women who experience later menopause also enjoy slightly longer lifespans.
Men, by contrast, tend to have weaker immune responses and are more prone to life-threatening conditions like sepsis, which may contribute to their shorter life expectancy.
Daily Habits and Social Resilience
Beyond biology, behavioral patterns play a critical role. Women are generally less likely to smoke or drink excessively and more likely to seek medical care and adhere to safety measures.
Dr. Kyle Bourassa from Duke University notes that women typically have stronger social support networks, which help buffer the effects of loneliness and isolation, key risk factors for poor health.
Research from 2023 also shows that women are less likely to die from suicide or drug overdoses compared to men.
Social Risks and Occupational Hazards
Men are more often employed in high-risk occupations, and face greater exposure to violence, imprisonment, or homelessness. During the COVID-19 pandemic, for example, male mortality rates were higher, partly due to their overrepresentation in jobs with direct virus exposure, such as construction and logistics.
Toward Deeper Understanding and Healthier Futures
According to Dr. Alan Cohen of Columbia University, there’s no single cause behind the longevity gap. It’s shaped by thousands of interwoven variables. While lifestyle changes—like improved diet or reduced stress—can be beneficial, their impact on lifespan remains under scientific review.
Researchers agree: rather than focusing solely on extending life, science must aim to improve life quality for both women and men through deeper research and actionable interventions.
