The Gender Longevity Gap

Across the globe, women outlive men in every country for which we have data. A recent analysis linked to the Global Burden of Disease project estimated life expectancy at roughly 76.3 years for women and 71.5 years for men, a gap of nearly five years. In some places, like Russia and Ukraine, women live more than 10 years longer than men. The United States National Center for Health Statistics reports that in 2023, the overall life expectancy for Americans at birth is 78.4 years, with women living about 5.3 years longer than men on average (81.1 years versus 75.8 years). So the statistical verdict is clear: yes, women live longer than men almost everywhere. But the question is why.

Part of the answer may lie in biology. One leading theory reported by the Max Planck Institute for Biology of Ageing involves the X and Y chromosomes. Women typically have two X chromosomes (XX), while men have one X and one Y (XY). Important genes related to cell repair and survival are located on the X chromosome. Having two X chromosomes may give women a kind of genetic "backup copy" that can compensate for harmful mutations on the other X, while men with only one X lack that redundancy.

Women also generally mount stronger immune responses than men. However, that is a double-edged sword: stronger immunity means better defense against infections, but also higher risk of autoimmune conditions where the immune system attacks its own body. Even so, the stronger immune defense may help women survive infections more often and recover better from some illnesses, contributing to longer life overall. Crucially, these biological advantages do not mean every woman lives longer than every man; they simply tilt the averages in women's favor.

Hormones also seem to play a role. Estrogen appears to protect the heart and blood vessels, lower inflammation, and support healthier cholesterol profiles. This may be why women, on average, tend to develop heart disease about a decade later than men.

Biology is only one part of the story. Many researchers argue that social and behavioral differences explain a large share of the gap. Studies consistently find that men, on average, are more likely to smoke and drink heavily, use recreational drugs, and eat diets higher in saturated fat. The National Institutes of Health National Library of Medicine documented that men are more likely than women to die from injuries and external causes: car accidents, workplace injuries, homicides, and suicides. This is especially true among younger and middle-aged men, which drags down average male life expectancy even more.

Healthcare-seeking behavior matters too. Men tend to visit doctors less often, wait longer to seek care when something is wrong, and are less likely to get routine screening for conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or early-stage cancers. Social norms around masculinity can discourage men from admitting vulnerability or illness, which can delay diagnosis until diseases are more advanced and harder to treat. Women, in contrast, are more likely to use preventive care and to have regular contact with the health system throughout their lives. This gives more chances to catch problems early.

Life expectancy is also shaped by income, education, and race/ethnicity. In the United States, for example, wealthier people live much longer than poorer people, and racial gaps in health outcomes are large. Women still tend to outlive men within each socioeconomic group, but the size of the gender gap can shrink or grow depending on these other factors. Recent research has even found exceptions in high-status professions. Among physicians in the U.S., male and female doctors have nearly identical mortality rates, unlike the general population where women live several years longer. Researchers suggest that the intense stress, long hours, and gender inequities that female doctors face may offset their usual longevity advantage.

So, yes, women tend to live longer than men - but this is about averages, not destiny. Many men outlive women in their families, and lifestyle choices matter enormously for both genders. Regular physical activity, not smoking, moderate alcohol use, a healthy diet, strong social ties, and timely medical care can add years and quality to life for everyone.