Why do women live longer than men across species?

A new study from the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology reveals that women live longer than men across a wide range of mammal species, including humans’ closest relatives, chimpanzees.

Published in Science Advances, the research analysed 528 mammal species and found that females often live about 13% longer than males, with 72% of species showing a female longevity advantage.

Researchers say genetics, mating habits, and caretaking roles all contribute to the gap. Females’ two X chromosomes provide a “backup” against harmful genetic mutations, while males often engage in riskier behaviours to compete for mates, such as physical confrontations in deer or other mammals.

The findings parallel human trends. In the U.S., men live on average 76 years, compared with 81 years for women. Risky behaviours, including smoking, drinking, and dangerous activities, are major contributors. Men also die at higher rates from heart disease, cancer, and melanoma, partly due to biology and partly because men are less likely to practice preventive measures like sunscreen use or cancer screenings.

Caregiving is linked to longer life, the study notes, with the sex that invests more in offspring survival tending to live longer. In humans, evolving gender roles mean that more men are taking caregiving responsibilities and focusing on personal health, which could help narrow the longevity gap.

Experts suggest that lifestyle changes could further reduce the difference. “Mimicking some of the behaviours that women have — going to the doctor, preventive care, focusing on health — may be helpful,” says study author Fernando Colchero. Alan Geller of Harvard’s T.H. Chan School of Public Health highlights that men could reduce risk factors for chronic diseases by following guidelines such as the American Heart Association’s Life’s Essential 8: eat better, be more active, quit tobacco, get healthy sleep, manage weight, and control cholesterol, blood sugar, and blood pressure.

By Vugar Khalilov