Men's Shorter Lifespans: Understanding and Addressing the Gender Gap
Men globally tend to have shorter lifespans than women, with a gap of about 5.8 years in the U.S. This disparity is not unique to humans, being observed in 72% of 528 studied mammal species, with females living about 13% longer. Understanding the reasons behind this gap can help narrow it.
Several factors contribute to men's shorter lifespans. Men are more likely to engage in risky behaviors such as smoking, drinking, and drug use, which can lead to earlier deaths from conditions like cancer, alcoholism, and suicide. They are also less likely to protect themselves from sun damage and screen for cancers, further increasing their risk of melanoma and other health issues.
Biologically, men's thicker skin with higher collagen and elastin content makes them more susceptible to sun damage. Additionally, males in many species, including humans, engage in risky behaviors and physical changes to mate and reproduce, which can shorten their lifespans. Among mammals, females' two X chromosomes may offer better genetic protection against mutations, contributing to their longer lifespans. However, this difference is less pronounced in birds, where males live about 5% longer than females. The gender gap in longevity is stronger in wild populations than in zoos, suggesting both genetic and environmental causes.
To narrow the gender gap in human longevity, changing behaviors and norms can play a significant role. Men can adopt some of the health-conscious behaviors of women, such as regular preventive care and sun protection. Promoting these changes can help close the longevity gap and improve overall health for both sexes.
Understanding the biological and behavioral factors contributing to the gender gap in longevity can help us address it. By encouraging men to adopt healthier behaviors and promoting preventive care, we can work towards narrowing this gap and improving overall health and lifespan for both men and women.
