Why Men Die Earlier: Risk Factors and the Role of Chromosomes 0 13

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the average life expectancy of women consistently exceeds that of men in almost all countries. A similar trend is noted by the World Bank, which publishes global demographic statistics. On average, the difference is 4–6 years, although in some countries it can be greater.

Experts identify several key reasons for this gap.

Behavioral Factors
Men are more often involved in risky activities, seek medical help less frequently, and statistically consume tobacco and alcohol more often. According to studies by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the mortality rate from external causes, including injuries and accidents, is significantly higher among men.

Biological Features
One explanation is the difference in the set of sex chromosomes. Women have two X chromosomes, which creates a "backup" for many genes. Men have one X and one Y chromosome, so recessive genetic disorders manifest more frequently. This mechanism is described in publications in Nature and The Lancet, which note the impact of genetic resilience on survival.

Hormonal Differences
Research shows that the male sex hormone testosterone may be linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases and more aggressive behavior. Experiments on mammals have often shown that castration leads to an increase in the lifespan of males. This data is presented, in particular, in scientific reviews published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

Historically, the situation was different: in the early 20th century, women in many countries lived shorter lives than men due to high maternal mortality. However, with the development of obstetric care and medicine in general, this factor has significantly decreased, as confirmed by archival statistics from Our World in Data.

The difference in life expectancy between men and women is the result of a combination of genetic, hormonal, and behavioral factors. While biology plays an important role, a significant part of the gap is related to lifestyle and access to medical care. Experts note that changing behavioral habits and disease prevention can reduce the gender gap in life expectancy.