There are a few key reasons why women tend to have higher life expectancies and live longer than men:
1. Biological differences - Women may have some protective biological mechanisms that increase longevity. Estrogen has antioxidant properties that offer some protection against cardiovascular disease. Women's second X chromosome also provides genetic redundancy against mutations.
2. Lifestyle and behaviors - Men tend to engage in more risky behaviors like heavy drinking, smoking, substance abuse, dangerous driving, and violence. These contribute to more health issues and mortality among men. Women tend to have healthier lifestyles.
3. Social and cultural factors - Men face more occupational hazards and stress in roles traditionally held by men. They are also less likely to seek medical care which delays diagnosis. Cultural attitudes promote risk-taking in men more than women.
4. Immune system differences - Women may mount stronger immune responses to infections, offering more protection over lifetimes of pathogen exposures. Autoimmune disorders are also more common in women though.
5. Hormonal influences - The different hormonal milieu in men versus women over the lifespan likely contributes in complex ways. Estrogens, androgens, growth hormone/IGF-1 all influence aging processes differently.
While genetics play some role, research suggests sociocultural and behavioral factors likely drive most of the longevity gap between the sexes. Public health efforts to promote healthy aging should target high-risk behaviors in men for maximum impact.
