In the United States, women significantly outlive men, with a life expectancy of approximately 80 years compared to around 75 years for their male counterparts, according to a CDC report.

This trend persists across various regions and socioeconomic statuses, and it is also apparent among many other mammal species. As Dr. Dena Dubal, a neurology professor at the University of California, San Francisco, points out, “This is a well-documented phenomenon witnessed globally, maintained even in adverse conditions like epidemics and famines.”

However, the reasons behind the longer lifespan of women remain complex and not entirely understood. Importantly, living longer does not necessarily equate to improved quality of life. Research indicates that women often experience shorter health spans compared to men, as highlighted by Bérénice Benayoun, an associate professor at the U.S.C. Leonard Davis School of Gerontology. Moreover, women tend to be more physically frail in their later years and face increased risks of cardiovascular diseases and Alzheimer’s disease, particularly post-menopause, as age itself is a significant risk factor for these conditions.

Researchers are actively investigating the differing aging processes in men and women, aiming to enhance both lifespan and health span.

According to Dr. Dubal, “Understanding why one sex is more resilient or vulnerable gives us insights into potential pathways and molecular mechanisms that could lead to innovative therapies designed to enhance resilience for both genders.”