Eli5: Why do women live longer than men on average, even among the older population like supercentenarians?
In: 2368
One major factor is likely metabolic rate. Across species, those with lower metabolisms live longer. Women have a lower nominal metabolic rate than men.
Other factors, such as engaging in dangerous or physically strenuous activities also play a role. However, metabolic rate is generally the base factor for lifespan among living things.
As corrected by u/TheLandofConfusion:
The X chromosome contains more coding genes than the Y chromosome. Women have two X chromosomes. If one malfunctions/is damaged, there is another to compensate, unlike men who only have one X chromosome. Other theories is that the Y chromosome is actually harmful. And as other posters have stated, there may be cultural or environmental variables which skew data.
Source:
One thing that may sound controversial to some(it’s not) is the amount of mental anguish and stress placed on men. Expected to provide, be tough, be smart, and never complain. If they do voice problems about their mental health many times they are shot down or ridiculed by both sides. This stress of being the provider/protector and everything that comes along with that on a societal level should not be underestimated. It goes hand in hand with higher suicide rates.
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There is no consensus or definitive answer to this biochemistry/genetic question…
Yet.
There are also some sociological factors involved in the statistics, for sure, but even when you negate sociological factors, biochemistry-wise, women still live longer, on average.
We don’t know why.