A new international study revealed the biological reasons behind the difference in life expectancy.
For many years, the doubt about why women live longer than men intrigued humanity. Data show that, in almost all countries, women outlive men in years of life. On average, this gap reaches five years and remains stable over time.
Although social and medical conditions play a role, scientists agree that there are biological factors that also intervene. Recent research gave a more complete answer to this phenomenon, which goes beyond human behavior and is repeated even in other species of the animal kingdom.
Women
The different factors analyzed
During youth, men face higher mortality rates associated with risk behaviorssuch as speeding, fights, alcohol consumption and other situations that increase the possibility of accidents or violence. In adulthood, unhealthy habits continue to affect your life expectancy, as increase the chances of disease cardiac, hepatic or respiratory.
But the factors are not limited to customs alone. Biology also plays a role, since female hormones, especially estrogen, protect the cardiovascular system and strengthen the body’s defenses. Added to this is a genetic predisposition that favors survival, linked to the evolutionary need for ensure the care of the offspring.
Why do women live longer than men?
A study of Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropologyin Germany, analyzed the DNA of more than a thousand animal species and found a relationship between chromosome structure and longevity. The results showed that female mammals live on average one 12% more than males, while in birds the trend is reversed and males live near a 5% more than females.
This difference is explained with the theory of heterogametic sex. In mammals, females have two X chromosomes (XX) and males have one biological support to mutations or damage to genes. In birds it happens the other way around, females have different chromosomes (ZW), which reduces their natural resistance.
Scientists understood that women live longer because Its genetics offer greater protection against diseases. But lifestyle also influences, having healthier routines, taking care of your diet and reducing stress are factors that can shorten this difference between genders.
Source: Ambito
I am an author and journalist who has worked in the entertainment industry for over a decade. I currently work as a news editor at a major news website, and my focus is on covering the latest trends in entertainment. I also write occasional pieces for other outlets, and have authored two books about the entertainment industry.
