5 Reasons Why Women Live Longer than Men
It’s no secret: women live longer than men. A recent report from the CDC has discovered that, as of 2012, a woman can expect to live to a ripe old age of 81 years old. Men, on the other hand, have an average life expectancy of 76 years, a full 5 years less than their female counterparts. Why? Here are the top 5 reasons that women, in general, live longer than men.
- It Starts in the Womb. The fact that girls grow and develop faster than boys has been a running joke for years, but it is actually based in scientific fact and it starts in the womb. Girls develop faster, even in utero, which gives them a better chance to survive in the event of a premature birth. More boys are conceived than girls, but a male fetus is more likely to face a variety of issues in the womb, such as infection, than a female fetus.
- They Play It Safe! While this obviously doesn’t apply to all women, men are more likely to be daredevils. Again, it all comes back to development. The frontal lobe of the brain is the area that controls risk calculation. This develops much more slowly in men, making them more likely to take more risks and do something stupid, resulting in injury or even death. Accidental injuries are the 3rd leading cause of death in males, according to the CDC.
- They’re More Likely to Go to the Doctor. Studies have found that women are 24% more likely to visit a doctor than men. No one likes to go to the doctor to potentially find out that there is something wrong with them, but women are more likely to suck it up and make that appointment. This can lead to early detection for potentially fatal illnesses. That’s right, being a macho man and muscling through any symptoms can potentially kill you.
- They Talk to Each Other. Talking to your friends can save your life, and not just in the metaphorical sense. Studies have shown that individuals with strong social groups are actually 50% less likely to die than those without! Women tend to fare better in this category because while men can have strong and expansive social groups, they tend to keep their concerns and worries to themselves. Women, on the other hand, tend to talk to each other about everything, including stresses and worries.
- Estrogen = Healthy Arteries. While heart disease is a leading killer amongst both men and women, women tend to start facing cardiac issues much later in life than men. This is due to the natural production of estrogen in the body, which helps to keep the arteries healthy. The risk of heart attack or heart disease goes up dramatically for men in their 30s-40s. Women don’t have to worry about it as much until after menopause, when the body stops producing estrogen naturally.
