A common finding in almost every country in the world is that, on average, women live longer than men. Statistics show that in the population aged 65 and over, there are more women than men – a gap that widens as age increases. According to a report by Harvard Health, the average life expectancy of women worldwide is estimated to be about seven years longer than that of men. Why is this so? The answer lies not in any single reason, but in a combination of many biological and lifestyle reasons.
What is behind this difference?
According to experts at Harvard Health, this difference between men and women starts from childhood. Research shows that the part of the brain that is responsible for making decisions and understanding the consequences of actions develops slightly later in boys than in girls. This may explain why boys are more prone to engage in risky activities at a young age, increasing their risk of becoming victims of fatal accidents and violent incidents.
Occupation: Another big reason
An important reason for the low life expectancy of men is considered to be their choice of profession. In sectors like military, fire services, construction and other hazardous areas, there are more men than women. In such professions, the risk of accidents and health risks is higher, which has a direct impact on life expectancy.
effect of heart diseases
Heart diseases also play a big role in widening the gap in life expectancy. According to reports, men are about 50 percent more likely to die from heart disease than women. This difference may be due to a combination of factors, including hormonal differences, high blood pressure, increased cholesterol levels and a habit of neglecting one’s health.
Men lag behind in terms of mental health
Even in matters of mental health, men often lag behind. Statistics show that suicide rates are higher among men than among women. Experts believe that many men shy away from seeking professional help despite suffering from depression or serious mental illness. Additionally, some social norms and stigmas prevent men from talking openly about their problems – this hesitation can have a serious impact on their overall health and well-being. These are also some of the reasons that contribute to this.
Research also shows that women’s social ties are generally stronger than men’s. Maintaining relationships with family, friends, and people in your social circle is considered beneficial for both mental and physical health. In contrast, higher mortality rates have been seen in people who are socially isolated—a condition that is more common in men.