Why women tend to live longer than men

Women generally live longer than men, and this happens for a mix of biological, behavioral, and social reasons.

First off, biology plays a big role. Women have two X chromosomes while men have one X and one Y. The extra X chromosome in women provides a kind of backup if there’s a problem with genes on one of the Xs. Men don’t have that safety net because they only get one X chromosome from their mother. This can make women more resilient to certain genetic diseases.

Hormones also matter. Estrogen, the main female hormone, helps protect the heart and blood vessels by improving cholesterol levels and keeping arteries flexible. Testosterone, which is higher in men, can increase risk-taking behavior and sometimes lead to health problems like high blood pressure or heart disease.

When it comes to lifestyle choices, women tend to take better care of themselves on average. They are more likely to visit doctors regularly for checkups or when feeling unwell. Men often delay seeking medical help until problems become serious.

Men also engage more often in risky behaviors such as smoking heavily, drinking alcohol excessively, or dangerous driving habits—all factors that can shorten life expectancy.

Socially speaking, women often build stronger support networks through friendships and family ties which contribute positively to mental health and stress management over time.

Even under tough conditions like famines or epidemics throughout history across many cultures worldwide—women still tend to outlive men due largely to these combined factors working together rather than any single cause alone.

So it’s not just about biology but also how hormones influence health risks plus lifestyle choices around healthcare use plus social connections that all add up making women live longer lives compared with men most of the time.