No one knows how long they have to live. However, what we do know is that in most societies around the world, the life expectancy for women exceeds that of men. Why do women live longer than men?
- **Hormones:** Estrogen plays a significant role in helping women live longer, according to HuffPost. This role is particularly pronounced at least until menopause, when estrogen levels start to decline naturally. Estrogen maintains vascular health by contributing to blood vessel dilation and improving endothelial function, which can enhance blood flow and reduce the risk of atherosclerosis, a major cause of heart disease. Additionally, it can improve cholesterol levels by lowering harmful cholesterol and increasing good cholesterol.
- **Men's Risky Behaviors:** Another reason women tend to outlive men is that they are less likely to engage in risky behaviors. Men are more prone to social risk-taking behaviors like smoking, alcohol consumption, drug use, and poor dietary choices. These behaviors increase the risk of chronic diseases such as high blood pressure, diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), chronic kidney disease, liver cirrhosis, and obesity. Men are also more inclined to work in dangerous jobs, drive recklessly, and take greater risks in sports, which can lead to accidents and injuries.
- **Food Choices:** Women are more likely to adhere to healthy eating habits compared to men. Diet and exercise play a significant role in an individual's longevity. A good diet maintains balance in the body, while physical activity keeps muscles and bones strong. Regular exercise ensures better heart health, helps control weight, and contributes to overall well-being, all of which can add years to a person's life.
- **Men's Emotional Suppression:** Society often pressures men to suppress their emotions. In contrast, women tend to forge more intimate social connections, providing them with support they can rely on. Women are more likely to have larger support networks and stronger social bonds, positively impacting mental health. This allows women to have better coping mechanisms for stress. Suppressing emotions can increase stress, elevate cortisol levels, negatively affect sleep, weaken interpersonal relationships, and raise the likelihood of mental health disorders, including trauma, depression, and anxiety. Emotional suppression is also linked to high blood pressure and cardiovascular risk as well as weakened immune systems.
- **Women Are More Likely to Seek Medical Help:** Men often view chest pain or shortness of breath as minor issues that will eventually resolve, rather than consulting a doctor to check for serious concerns. Men resist seeking help and continue to work until their health worsens. Furthermore, when men do consult a physician, they do not always follow through or adhere to medical advice and recommendations. This includes not adhering to prescribed medications, skipping tests, and neglecting follow-ups. Visiting the doctor, following treatments, and undergoing regular check-ups can make a significant difference in longevity by potentially slowing chronic diseases, such as heart issues, leading to a longer life with better overall health.
Simply being a woman does not guarantee a longer life. However, there are controllable factors and habits that can positively influence life expectancy. Engaging in regular exercise, eating healthily, visiting the doctor, finding support systems, and other behaviors can help anyone lead a healthy life for many years to come.
