Why Women Live Longer

By Shlomo Maital  

       Biologists and scientists in general know a lot.  But there still remain many mysteries in our universe that are unsolved.

       Here is one.   In 175 countries out of the 178 that keep demographic records,  women outlive men, in life expectancy.  In Israel:  84.7 years (women),  80.7 (men).   In the US:   80 for women, 76 for men.  The four-year gap seems like a small one, but it is actually very large.   And it exists for life expectancy at age 5, and also at age 50. 

        Why do women outlive men?  Here are the theories.  Women suffer less from heart disease, strokes and cancer.  Why?  Maybe:  They have estrogen, which seems to help the immune system.    Women drink less alcohol and smoke less.   Women tend to visit doctors more often for checkups.  

           And —   women have two XX chromosomes, men have one X and one Y.  The double XX  provides some redundancy, in case one X is damaged,  and the X chromosome seems related to immunological strength. 

            At conception, 108 embryos are male compared to every 100 that are female.  Why?  We don’t know.  At birth, 105 males are born to every 100 females.  So,  more male embryos die before birth than female.   More males are born, but they live shorter lives. 

            There is a major social program that derives from the fact that women live longer.  At ages 65, 70 and older, there are many more widows than widowers.  Some are blessed with nearby children and grandchildren.  And with friends and social groups.  But many are not.  They are lonely and isolated. 

            And related to that loneliness:  Many elderly women are not in good health.  Because —   women suffer more morbidity (ill health) than men do,  yet live longer.  We do not know why.   Women have more ill health, yet live longer, because they do not die from their illnesses. Why?

             Readers:  Any ideas?