Doctors on the reasons women live longer than men across the world
It is pretty commonly known that on average, women tend to live longer than men. In almost every society across the world, you will find women outliving their male counterparts.
In the United States, there are several years between the average ages a man and a woman are expected to live to, with women on average living until around 79.3 years, and men 73.5 years, according to the latest figures from the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention.
Some people may immediately point to obvious answers, like traditionally, more men than women tend to have more dangerous jobs as well as physical - in turn affecting their body as they get older. But, the answer also lies in the way the human body works. Several doctors explained told HuffPost there are a number of reasons why men tend to die before women.
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It is in the hormones
Female hormones can help (Getty Images/Caiaimage)According to experts, the hormone estrogen has a big part to play. Dr Robert Segal said: "Estrogen keeps blood vessels healthy by causing dilatation (widening of blood vessels) and improving the function of endothelial cells. "
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Dr Segal, a cardiologist and founder of Manhattan Cardiology, added: "This can improve the flow of blood and lower the risk of atherosclerosis, which is a major cause of heart disease.”
The reproductive hormone also helps improve cholesterol profiles by dropping levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol and raising levels of HDL (good) cholesterol. Dr Segal explained that estrogen also has anti-inflammatory properties which helps reduce inflammation in the blood vessels, lowering the risks of cardiovascular illnesses such as heart attacks, strokes, heart failure and heart disease - the number one cause of death in Americans.
Higher risk behaviour
Men tend to participate in riskier behaviour than women, one expert explained. Dr Rohit Vuppuluri, an international cardiologist in Chicago, said men are more likely to have social habits like smoking, drinking alcohol, taking drugs and poor diet choices.
He explained the behaviours “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 increase morbidity and can ultimately lead to worsened mortality.”
As well as that, men tend to have more dangerous jobs than women and are more likely to drive recklessly and take more risks in sport, leading to injuries which can make their lives shorter.
Women choose healthier food
Women tend to choose healthier food (Getty Images/Tetra images RF)A good diet with nutritious food can help you live longer, and research shows that women are more likely to do this than men. Blanca Garcia, a dietitian nutritionist at Healthcanal, said: “I strongly believe that diet and exercise play a heavy role in a person’s longevity. Better food choices keep the body in balance, and the movement keeps muscles and bones stronger.”
Dr Segal also stressed that diet and exercise plays a part. He said anyone who gets regular physical exercise is more likely to have “better heart health, weight control and general well-being, all of which can add years to your life.”
He added: “Changes to a person’s food and exercise habits, among other things, can help both men and women live longer and healthier lives."
Men suppress their emotions
Men don't reach out for help as often as women (Getty Images/Blend Images)Psychologist Abigail Lev believes that suppressing your emotions and having a short life expectancy are linked. The licensed clinical psychologist and founder and director of the Bay Area CBT Center in California said: "“Men are conditioned by society to deeply repress and suppress their emotions. Due to their emotional suppression and other factors, women tend to have more socially intimate relationships, providing them with support they can lean on.”
There is also a benefit in women having larger social circles. Dr Naval Parikh, a primary care physician in Florida, said: "“Women tend to have larger social networks and stronger social connections, which can have a positive impact on mental health,” he said. This support system means women “tend to have better coping mechanisms for dealing with stress.”
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Suppressing your emotions is linked to a range of health issues - it can increase your stress levels, raise your cortisol levels, impact your sleep, relationships and connections. In turn, that can increase the likelihood of developing mental health conditions such as trauma, depression and anxiety. There are also links to an increase in blood pressure, cardiovascular risks and a weaker immune system.
Women are more likely to see a doctor
Men are more likely to dismiss a problem than seek medical help than women, Dr Vuppuluri explained. He said: "“Men are much more likely to brush off any episodes of chest pain or shortness of breath as just a minor symptom that will eventually go away, rather than seeking medical attention to find out if it is something concerning. Men resist seeking assistance and continue to work through their discomforts until they are in a dire situation, which then leads to worse medical outcomes.”
There is also evidence that suggests that those who do seek help, don't always follow the advice they are given. A study done in 2017 by the American Academy of Family Physicians found that up to half of men seeking medical help don't follow their doctor's recommendations. This includes not filling prescriptions, not taking those prescriptions as told, not showing up for follow-ups.
"Men are less likely to agree to take medications if they do not actively feel unwell," Dr Vuppuluri said. This is bad news for men who suffer with hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and diabetes mellitus as symptoms are not often felt. Not taking medication to treat these problems can cause irreversible organ failure.
For everyone, man or woman, there are steps to take that can improve your life expectancy and help you lead a healthier life all around. Exercise, eating healthy foods, going to the doctor, and improving emotional health are steps that everyone can take to help make sure they are around for years to come.
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