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Tuesday, July 12, 2011

REASONS WHY WOMEN LIVE LONGER THAN MEN .

 

Women tend to live longer than men, which has been observed across many countries and cultures. The phenomenon of women's longer life expectancy is a complex interplay of various biological, social, and lifestyle factors. Some of the key reasons for this difference include:

 

Biological factors: Genetics and hormones play a role in determining life expectancy. Women have two X chromosomes, while men have one X and Y chromosome. Some research suggests that having two X chromosomes might offer certain genetic advantages related to immune function and disease resistance, contributing to a longer life.

 

Hormonal influence: Estrogen, the primary female sex hormone, has been associated with a range of beneficial effects on cardiovascular health, bone density, and the immune system. These effects may contribute to women experiencing lower rates of certain age-related diseases and conditions.

 

Risk-taking behaviour: Men, on average, tend to engage in riskier behaviours, such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and dangerous activities. These behaviours can lead to higher mortality rates and a shorter lifespan.

 

Cardiovascular health: Women generally have better cardiovascular health than men, partly attributed to hormonal differences. Estrogen has been linked to better cholesterol profiles and improved blood vessel function.

 

Healthcare-seeking behaviour: Women often seek medical attention more promptly and regularly than men. Regular health checkups and early detection of illnesses can lead to better management of health conditions and potentially longer life.

 

Social and lifestyle factors: In many societies, traditional gender roles have influenced women to adopt healthier lifestyles, such as maintaining stronger social connections and support networks. Additionally, women may have better-coping mechanisms for dealing with stress, which can impact overall health.

 

The life expectancy gap between men and women has been gradually narrowing in some regions, partly due to changing societal norms and increased awareness about health and wellness among men. However, the exact reasons for this difference may vary across populations and could change over time as societal norms and healthcare practices evolve.

Gender refers to the social aspects of being a woman or a man, and sex refers to biology. Women have biological advantages that let them live longer, such as estrogen, which reduces bad cholesterol and increases good cholesterol.

When it comes to chronic diseases, women tend to have more of them, but men have more fatal conditions. Men are at higher risk of chronic diseases that are leading killers.

Studies have shown that women are more health conscious and communicate better about their problems than males.

Risky behaviour and sensation-seeking

Women overestimate the risk of any type, while men consistently underestimate it. This difference extends to almost any real task, which is why women internalize, and men externalize.

Substance use is more common among men than women, and men are more likely to abuse drugs and have drug dependence. Men also drive under the influence of drugs and alcohol more frequently than women and are responsible for four out of every five cases of driving under the influence.

Suicide

In most countries, men are more likely to die by suicide than women. In the United States, most suicides are white men.

The high suicide rate among men may be due to the stigma surrounding mental health issues and a tendency to avoid mental health care.

Thinking about gender

Gender differences in life expectancy are due to social, psychological and behavioural factors, including sensation-seeking, risk-taking traits, stigma, masculinity, and a tendency for externalizing behaviour.

 

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