Men generally live shorter lives than women due to biological and behavioral factors. Men tend to engage in riskier behaviors, such as smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, which can contribute to cardiovascular diseases and other health issues.
Genetics partly explains why women generally live longer. First, it is important to know that women have two X sex chromosomes, while men have only one, complemented by a Y chromosome. Since several genes involved in immune defense are located on the X chromosome, women have an advantage: if one malfunctions, the other can compensate. Men do not have this luck, having only one copy. Their bodies are therefore often more vulnerable to infectious or chronic diseases. Another key difference: telomeres, those small protective caps at the ends of our chromosomes, shorten more quickly in men, thus accelerating the aging of their cells. Additionally, on the metabolic side, women are generally favored by better cholesterol management due to their hormones, thereby reducing the risk of heart diseases. This is why, biologically, they have a head start.
Men tend to engage in more risky behaviors, such as reckless driving, excessive alcohol consumption, or certain dangerous sports or occupational practices. They also generally smoke more than women, which increases their risks of cardiovascular diseases or lung cancers. These somewhat "borderline" lifestyle choices inevitably expose men to more serious accidents or health issues that directly affect their life expectancy. Often, men take preventive medical check-ups less seriously, being more hesitant to seek help in case of a problem and delaying treatment when issues become concerning. These small bad habits accumulated end up weighing heavily on health outcomes.
Men generally experience stress differently from women, with a tendency to internalize it or hide it under reactions such as anger or aggression. Over time, these reactions harm cardiovascular health and increase the risks of heart disease or stroke. Mental health disorders, such as depression, may be underdiagnosed in men as they are expressed or recognized less frequently. Men find it harder to talk about their emotions, which often delays seeking appropriate help or treatment. This delay can exacerbate psychological symptoms that ultimately affect their overall physical condition, reduce their quality of life, and significantly shorten their life expectancy.
Sex hormones clearly affect the difference in life expectancy. Estrogen, the predominant hormone in women, provides protection for cardiovascular health by keeping blood vessels flexible and limiting their obstruction. It also has a beneficial effect on the immune system, helping women better fight certain infections. In men, testosterone can promote riskier and more aggressive behaviors at high doses, which can indirectly reduce life expectancy. Additionally, high and prolonged testosterone production is linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases in men, especially with age. These hormonal differences often result in women gaining a few extra years compared to men.
Men consult doctors less frequently on average and pay less attention to prevention campaigns. The result? Many illnesses are detected later, sometimes even too late. The reasons are often cultural: preconceived notions about masculinity, fear of showing vulnerability, or simple negligence regarding the signals the body sends. Additionally, there is the difficulty of accessing certain healthcare services specific to men, which are less developed and less promoted than those aimed at women. Ultimately, the less you monitor your health regularly, the greater the risk that minor issues will become major complications.
Did you know? In some countries, the gap in life expectancy between men and women is narrowing thanks to targeted awareness campaigns about health risks specifically affecting men, such as heart disease and prostate cancer.
Did you know that effectively managing stress and taking care of your mental health can prolong life expectancy? Yet, statistically, men are less likely to talk about their emotions and seek psychological help.
Did you know? Research has revealed that men are more frequently victims of household and workplace accidents, as well as injuries due to risky behaviors, thereby reducing their overall life expectancy.
Did you know that estrogen, a female hormone, has protective properties for the heart and arteries, which partly contributes to women's greater longevity?
To reduce the life expectancy gap, measures such as targeted medical prevention, raising awareness of risky behaviors, psychological support, and promoting a better lifestyle (balanced diet, regular physical activity, preventive medical check-ups, and better stress management) are available.
Sure! Here’s the translation: "Yes, sex hormones like estrogen potentially protect women against certain cardiovascular diseases and strengthen their immune system. In men, testosterone seems to increase risk-taking and aggression, potentially promoting harmful long-term behaviors."
Indeed, chronic stress can lead to health problems such as cardiovascular diseases, anxiety, or depression. Research indicates that men tend to seek less support in cases of prolonged stress, thereby exposing their health to increased risks.
Sure! Here’s the translation: "Yes, lifestyle choices such as smoking, alcohol consumption, engaging in physical activities, and risky behaviors (dangerous driving, extreme sports, etc.) significantly influence life expectancy and can explain a substantial part of the gap between men and women."
Although most countries have a higher life expectancy for women, the difference varies by region. It is generally 5 to 7 years in favor of women in developed countries, but it can be smaller or larger depending on various cultural, economic, and environmental factors.
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