Women Live Longer Than Men, But Men Can Lessen the Gap

When it comes to aging, 80 is the new 50, especially for women. They have outlived men for over a century, and the latest data shows the gap is now roughly 6 years (with men living around 74 years and women around 80). Although some factors are unchangeable, men can take positive steps to enjoy more vibrant health in their golden years.

How Men Versus Women Manage Stress  

No one is a stranger to stress, and how we manage it may be helpful or harmful to our long-term health. Studies show that men may reach for a drink or use other negative coping mechanisms, while women tend to reach for a friend in hard times. This fundamental difference is significant, as sharing our burdens or concerns often leads to positive outcomes and greater social support—which plays a tremendous role in the quality and length of our lives. Just like physical fitness, “social fitness” offers potent protective effects that can help us stave off major diseases, including coronary heart disease, arthritis, Type 2 diabetes, dementia, and many other conditions.

Additionally, women may see their doctors more frequently than men. As we age, it’s especially important to schedule routine check-ups and screenings for age-related conditions, such as colorectal cancer, diabetes, high cholesterol, prostate cancer, skin cancer, and more.

Living a long and robust life means fostering great relationships with family, friends, and your healthcare team too. The Villages Health offers less wait time and longer visits to build trust among patients and to better understand their health needs. Visit TheVillagesHealth.com and schedule a tour.

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