A review by researchers Dr. Austad and Dr. Fischer reveals that across history and cultures, women consistently outlive men. This longevity disparity is linked to complex interactions among biological, genetic, evolutionary, and behavioral factors. Their examination of The Human Mortality Database shows women have had higher life expectancy in every year and region studied since 1751. This trend continues into very old age, particularly among supercentenarians. Despite lower mortality rates for most leading causes of death, the reasons behind this enduring phenomenon remain an intriguing mystery for researchers.
Women consistently outlive men across all recorded years and locations, with the female advantage becoming particularly pronounced in extreme old age.
Evidence suggests that the reasons behind women's longer lifespan are a complex mix of biological, genetic, evolutionary, and behavioral factors.
Dr. Austad emphasizes the unknowns surrounding female longevity, stating, 'We don't know why women live longer. It's amazing that it hasn't become a stronger focus of research in human biology.'
In the U.S., women exhibit lower mortality rates for 13 out of the 15 leading causes of death, demonstrating a persistent longevity advantage.
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