Women consistently outrank men in terms of life expectancy, and this has been a long-standing topic of interest for many. The reasons for this phenomenon extend beyond just genetics.
According to quizlet.com, “Social and biological factors contribute to the longevity advantage of women over men. The Cellular clock theory substantiates that human cells can only divide up to 75-80 times and tend to lose the ability to divide as we age.
Besides, Telomeres, which are DNA sequences that act as the protective cap of chromosomes, also play a vital role.” In this article, we will further explore these social and biological factors that explain why do women live longer than men quizlet.
We will also discuss some practical steps men can take to increase their lifespan and delay aging. So, let’s dive in and find out more.
The Biological Factors
Women’s longevity can be attributed to various biological factors that give them an advantage over men. One of the main factors is the presence of estrogen in women’s bodies.
Studies have shown that estrogen provides protection against heart disease, which is a leading cause of premature death in men. In addition, women’s bodies age slower than men’s because they have more telomeres.
Telomeres are DNA sequences that act as protectors of genetic material, and they tend to shorten as we age. Women’s longer telomeres give them a distinct advantage in the longevity game.
Interestingly, the hormone testosterone, which is predominantly found in men, can cause heart disease and other health problems. Testosterone also speeds up the aging process in men’s bodies.
These biological differences between men and women are the main reasons why women live longer than men.
Social Factors
Studies have shown that various social factors could contribute to the longevity of women compared to men.
- Lifestyle: Women are more likely to follow a healthy lifestyle, which includes eating a balanced diet, engaging in regular exercise, and avoiding harmful habits like smoking and excessive drinking. These lifestyle choices could reduce the risk of various illnesses and help women live longer.
- Occupation: Men are more likely to have physically demanding jobs or jobs that expose them to hazardous conditions, leading to higher mortality rates. In contrast, women are more likely to have safer occupations, leading to a lower mortality rate.
- Healthcare access: Women are generally better at accessing healthcare services compared to men. They are more likely to visit doctors regularly and receive preventive healthcare services like screenings, which could help detect health problems early and prevent them from becoming more serious.
These social factors contribute to the gap in life expectancy between men and women.
Counterarguments
While the factors mentioned above may provide some explanation as to why women live longer than men, it is essential to acknowledge some counterarguments, which include:
- Biology: Some scientists argue that male genetics are what makes them die earlier than women. For example, men have higher levels of testosterone, making them more susceptible to heart disease.
- Cultural perception: Some cultures perceive men as being less likely to seek medical care, which could lead to a higher mortality rate.
Conclusion
According to quizlet.com, the reason why women live longer than men can be linked to both social and biological factors. One such biological factor is the cellular clock theory, which is related to telomeres, special DNA sequences that protect our chromosomes.
It is believed that women have an advantage when it comes to cellular aging, which partially explains their longer lifespan compared to men. Further research on this topic may provide additional insights.
