If you've ever wondered why women tend to live longer than men, you're not alone.

Globally, women outlive men by an average of five years (73.8 years for women versus 68.4 years for men in 2021).

This trend has been consistent across all countries since 2006. But what’s behind this longevity gap? Science has some fascinating answers.

1. Women have a biological advantage from birth

The longevity gap begins at birth. Studies show that newborn boys have a higher probability of death than newborn girls, with boys being more likely to be born premature and suffering higher death rates in the first week of life.

One reason for this is that boys tend to have weaker immune systems at birth, making them more vulnerable to infectious diseases.

Additionally, because men have only one X chromosome (compared to women’s two), they are more susceptible to genetic disorders.

This early vulnerability sets the stage for a higher male mortality rate throughout life, contributing to the overall gap in life expectancy.

2. Men take more risks

Risk-taking behaviour is another significant factor. Historically, men have been more likely to engage in dangerous activities, including risky sports, hazardous jobs, and reckless driving.

Men are also more likely to experience violent deaths, including those caused by accidents, homicides, and suicides.

According to global statistics, male suicide rates are significantly higher than female rates, despite women being more likely to be diagnosed with depression or make non-fatal suicide attempts.

Cultural norms play a role here. As Harvard Health explains, societal expectations of men to appear "stoic" or "in control" discourage them from seeking help for mental health issues, further increasing their vulnerability.

3. Women are more health-conscious

When it comes to health behaviours, women generally score higher. Studies have shown that women are more likely to visit doctors regularly for health screenings and preventive care.

According to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, men are far more likely to skip routine health checks.

Women smoke less, drink less, and are less likely to abuse drugs than men, reducing their risk of chronic conditions like heart disease, liver damage, and certain cancers.

This proactive approach to health gives women a significant advantage in avoiding preventable diseases and managing chronic conditions early.

4. Hormones play a protective role

Women’s biological makeup, particularly their hormones, also contributes to their longevity. Estrogen, the primary female hormone, has been shown to have protective effects on the cardiovascular system, helping lower the risk of heart disease, which is one of the leading causes of death globally.

In contrast, men produce more testosterone, which has been linked to riskier behaviour and aggression. Testosterone may also contribute to higher rates of cardiovascular diseases in men.

5. Women tend to have stronger social connections

Social connections and emotional support play a critical role in longevity, and women excel in this area. Studies have shown that men are more likely to be socially isolated than women, especially as they age.

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Why women live longer than men: exploring the longevity gap