Why do women live longer than men? Scientists explain

Across most countries and cultures, one pattern appears consistently: women tend to live longer than men. The difference is not small—it often spans several years, raising questions about whether the cause is biological, behavioral, or a combination of both.

Scientists generally agree that there is no single explanation. Instead, the gap reflects overlapping influences, from genetics and hormones to lifestyle choices and social behavior. What makes the topic interesting is how these factors interact over time, gradually shaping life expectancy rather than determining it outright.