Why Do Women Live Longer Than Men?

October 28, 2023 nagaco

In the article “Why Do Women Live Longer Than Men?” published on HuffPost Life, the author explores the factors that contribute to women’s longer life expectancy compared to men. While the average life expectancy for women in the U.S. is 79.3 years, men typically live up to 73.5 years. The article discusses how hormones, particularly estrogen, play a significant role in women’s longevity by promoting healthy blood vessels and improving cholesterol profiles. Additionally, women tend to engage in healthier habits, such as choosing nutritious foods and seeking medical attention, while men are more likely to participate in risky behaviors and suppress their emotions. The article emphasizes that while there are innate benefits for women, many factors that determine life expectancy are within an individual’s control. By adopting healthier habits and seeking support, everyone can increase their chances of living a longer and healthier life.

Table of Contents

Factors that contribute to women living longer

In most societies around the world, women tend to live longer than men on average. According to a report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the average life expectancy for women in the U.S. is 79.3 years, compared to 73.5 years for men. While there are several factors that contribute to this disparity, the role of hormones, lifestyle choices, emotional well-being, and healthcare utilization play significant roles in women’s longer lifespan.

Role of hormones

One of the key factors that contribute to women living longer is the role of hormones, particularly estrogen. Estrogen plays a vital role in women’s health and has a significant impact on blood vessels. It helps keep blood vessels healthy by causing dilatation, or widening of blood vessels, and improving the function of endothelial cells. This can improve blood flow and lower the risk of atherosclerosis, which is a major cause of heart disease.

Estrogen also has a positive effect on cholesterol levels. It can improve cholesterol profiles by dropping levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol and raising levels of HDL (good) cholesterol. This helps to maintain a healthier balance of cholesterol in the body and reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Another benefit of estrogen is its anti-inflammatory properties. Estrogen can reduce inflammation in blood vessels, which lowers the risk of chronic cardiovascular illnesses such as coronary heart disease, heart attacks, strokes, and heart failure. Since cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death for Americans, having higher levels of estrogen gives women an advantage in terms of heart health.

Lifestyle choices

Women tend to make healthier lifestyle choices compared to men, which contributes to their longer lifespan. Men are more likely to engage in risky behavior such as smoking, drinking alcohol, using drugs, and making poor dietary choices. These behaviors increase the risk of chronic diseases like hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes mellitus, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, chronic kidney disease, liver cirrhosis, and obesity. All of these chronic diseases can lead to worsened mortality.

On the other hand, women are more likely to choose healthy eating habits. They are more likely to buy groceries, plan meals, and seek help from a nutritionist to meet their dietary needs. Regularly eating healthy, nutritious food can help anyone live longer, and women tend to prioritize this more than men. Better food choices keep the body in balance, and physical movement helps to keep muscles and bones stronger.

Regular physical exercise is also an essential lifestyle choice that contributes to women’s longer lifespan. Physical exercise has numerous health benefits, including better heart health, weight control, and improved overall well-being. Women who engage in regular physical exercise are more likely to have a healthier and longer life.

Emotional well-being

Emotional well-being is another factor that contributes to women living longer. Men are often conditioned by society to suppress their emotions, which can have a negative impact on their overall health. Suppressing emotions can increase stress, elevate cortisol levels, negatively affect sleep, impair relationships and interpersonal connections, and increase the likelihood of mental health disorders, including trauma, depression, and anxiety.

In contrast, women tend to have larger social networks and stronger social connections. They are more likely to have socially intimate relationships, which provide them with support they can lean on. Having a strong support system and better coping mechanisms for dealing with stress is essential for emotional well-being, and it can have a positive impact on mental health.

Healthcare utilization

Women are generally more proactive when it comes to seeking medical attention and utilizing healthcare services. Men, on the other hand, are more likely to delay seeking medical attention, often brushing off symptoms as minor or temporary. This tendency to delay seeking assistance can lead to worse medical outcomes, as serious conditions may go undiagnosed and untreated.

Even when men do seek medical attention, they are less likely to follow through with treatment plans and recommendations. A study by the American Academy of Family Physicians found that up to half of men seeking medical care do not follow their physician’s recommendations. This includes not filling prescriptions, not taking medications as directed, not following up with tests, and not showing up for follow-ups. Non-compliance with treatment plans can lead to worsened health outcomes and a shorter lifespan.

The importance of healthy habits

While some factors contributing to women’s longer lifespan, such as hormones, are innate, the majority of factors are within a person’s control. Engaging in healthy habits is essential for everyone, regardless of gender, in order to lead a longer and healthier life.

One of the most important habits within a person’s control is regular exercise. Physical activity has numerous health benefits, including improved cardiovascular health, weight management, reduced risk of chronic diseases, and enhanced overall well-being. Making exercise a part of daily routine can have a significant impact on longevity.

Healthy eating habits also play a crucial role in ensuring longevity. Proper nutrition provides the body with the necessary nutrients and energy to function optimally. A balanced diet that includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats can contribute to better health and a longer life.

In addition to exercise and nutrition, regular medical check-ups are vital for identifying potential health concerns and addressing them early on. Regular check-ups allow healthcare professionals to monitor various health indicators, detect any abnormalities, and provide appropriate treatments or interventions. By being proactive about one’s health, individuals can take control of their well-being and potentially extend their lifespan.

Conclusion

While women inherently benefit from factors such as hormones, the majority of factors predicting a person’s life expectancy are within their control. Engaging in healthy habits, seeking emotional support, utilizing healthcare services, and prioritizing overall well-being can help individuals lead longer and healthier lives. Empowering individuals to take charge of their health and make positive lifestyle choices is essential for improving longevity.