Women live longer than men by about 5 to 5.8 years on average in the United States as of recent data around 2023-2025. Women have an average life expectancy of approximately 80 to 81 years, while men have an average life expectancy of about 75 to 75.8 years. This gap has varied historically and can be influenced by biological, behavioral, and social factors.
Key Points on Longevity Difference
- The average life expectancy gap in the U.S. is about 5.3 to 5.8 years, with women living longer.
- Globally, women tend to live around 5 years longer than men, though this varies by country and income level.
- The gap has changed over time, influenced by factors such as smoking rates, accidents, diseases, and societal changes.
- Women may have longer life spans but often experience shorter healthy life spans with higher rates of frailty and some chronic diseases.
- Biological factors such as genetics and hormones (e.g., estrogen) contribute to the difference.
- Behavioral and social factors include men having higher rates of risky behaviors, accidents, and some diseases like heart disease.
In summary, women live about 5 to 6 years longer than men on average in developed countries like the U.S., with similar gaps observed worldwide though varying with region and socioeconomic factors.
