Why Do Women Live Longer Than Men?
Lindsay Knake
| 4 min read
Lindsay Knake is a brand journalist for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan.
On average, women live about five years longer than men in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
What are the reasons for this? While biology may be among the causes of the longevity gap, lifestyle factors also contribute to the variance in lifespans.
Let’s look at the factors that contribute to the longer lifespans of women compared to men.
Physical health
There are some biological factors that may affect longevity. Although heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, women develop heart disease about 10 years later than men. This may be related to the protective effects of estrogen, according to Harvard Health.
Men are more likely to have increased mortality from certain health conditions, which include heart disease and diabetes, according to a 2023 JAMA study. Women tend to have higher levels of healthy cholesterol than men, which is linked to a lower risk of heart disease.
In 2020 and 2021, men were also more likely than women to die from COVID-19, which temporarily increased the gender longevity gap to about six years, according to the JAMA study.
Other causes of male mortality include accidents and risk-seeking behaviors. The 2023 research found men are also more likely to die from unintentional injuries. Men are also four times more likely than women to die by suicide. About 80% of suicide deaths are men, according to the CDC.
Seeking health care
These health outcomes may be related to the differences in men and women seeking health care. Men go to the doctor less often than women, according to 2023 data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. While 84% of women had a wellness visit in the past year, about 74.4% of men had a wellness visit. In a 2023 Cleveland Clinic study, about 44% of men reported they do not attend their annual wellness visits.
In their 20s, 30s and 40s, women also often seek medical care for routine gynecological exams and for pregnancy if they have children.
Healthy behaviors also may play a factor. Women are 50% more likely to eat a healthy diet than men, according to Harvard Health.
Regular health care and a healthy lifestyle are keys to preventing chronic conditions. Treating health conditions early can prevent them from getting worse and can reduce the cost of health care in the long run. Additionally, mental health care can help with stress, anxiety, depression and other conditions that can lead to self-harm, increase alcohol use and other risky behaviors.
Social connection
Connection and community are key parts of health. Strong social connections are associated with longevity; healthy, positive relationships reduce blood pressure and improve cardiovascular health and immune function. Social wellness can also provide a buffer against anxiety, depression and other mental health conditions.
Women typically have stronger and larger social networks, according to Harvard Health.
Women are more likely than men to talk to family members, friends and mental health professionals for emotional support, according to a 2025 Pew Research survey. Another study found men are less likely to seek mental health help than women. Quality emotional support is key in relationships, and research suggests women generally provide more skilled emotional support than men.
What men can do for their health
Lifespans and longevity are a complicated mix of genetics, behaviors and our environments. However, there are things within our control.
Here are ways men can improve their health and reduce the risk of chronic conditions:
- Seek preventive care, including annual physicals and recommended screenings.
- Eat a healthy diet with fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains and lean meat.
- Get at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise a week.
- Get at least seven hours of sleep at night.
- Manage stress in healthy ways, such as through exercise and mindfulness.
- Avoid risky behaviors such as smoking, excess drinking and drug use.
- Cultivate close relationships and connections.
Image: Getty Images
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