Learn about the key factors that can affect men’s life expectancy and what they can do to improve their overall health and longevity.According to the World Health Organization, men most often die from non-communicable diseases and injuries: 86% of deaths are associated with these causes.

There are many factors that influence a man’s life expectancy, but most of them are related to testosterone, the hormone responsible for puberty. 

Genetics

Women have two X chromosomes , while men have only one. This gives women a genetic advantage: if one X chromosome has a defective gene, the other can compensate for its function. Men do not have this “backup copy,” so they are more vulnerable to diseases associated with defects on the X chromosome: blood clotting disorders , muscle tissue destruction , and weakened immune system function.

Infant mortality

Sad fact: worldwide, baby boys die 13% more often than baby girls.Scientists believe that the problem may be in hormones: higher levels of testosterone in boys begin to affect the development of the body and the immune system from birth . And the absence of a second X chromosome from birth makes the male body more vulnerable to various diseases.

In addition, it was noted that newborn boys suffer from respiratory diseases more often than girls.

Previously, when sanitation and nutrition weakened all infants and mothers, the disadvantage of boys was less noticeable. However, the development of the theory that diseases are caused by microorganisms entering the body from outside the body reduced the statistics on infectious diseases. Therefore, complications during childbirth and premature birth became the main cause of infant mortality.

Rare visits to doctors

There is an opinion that women visit doctors more often, and this is not without reason. Doctors note that men undergo preventive examinations less often, seek medical help late and are less willing to get vaccinated against influenza and COVID-19. This directly affects their health and life expectancy.

Much of the problem is rooted in social factors. Deep-rooted ideas about masculinity prevent men from taking care of their health. They believe that admitting pain or seeking help is a sign of weakness, and that refusing medical care allows them to maintain their social status. This stereotype is especially pronounced in young men, but it weakens over the years as health problems become more acute.

Ignoring a healthy lifestyle

Men are less likely to go on a diet, go to the gym, watch their sleep patterns, and generally think about a healthy lifestyle. But why?Abroad, this is explained by low awareness of the impact of lifestyle on health. For example, a study by the University of Alberta showed that men are less likely to associate factors such as smoking, alcohol, nutrition, and physical activity with the risk of developing cancer and chronic diseases. Many believe that their health is a matter of luck, not a consequence of habits.

In particular, the widespread use of smoking among men in Russia shortens their lives by an average of 5 years compared to women. In recent decades, the situation has remained unchanged, and the duration of the period when men are completely healthy has decreased by 2.5-3 years.

Alcohol also plays an important role. Men not only drink more often, but also choose stronger drinks . According to the HSE, traditional behavioral practices associate alcohol consumption with male identity. In socialization, alcohol is used as a way of “entering adulthood,” forming a stereotype that giving up alcohol can lead to alienation and ridicule. This is especially common among men with low income and education.

Risky behavior

But even without alcohol, men are more likely than women to engage in risky behavior. This can range from extreme recreation and gambling to not wearing seat belts in cars and getting into fights.

According to the American Psychological Association, men tend to underestimate the likelihood of harm and perceive its consequences as less serious.A study from the University of Cambridge confirms that men perceive risk as a way to gain pleasure, while women are more cautious because they estimate the likelihood of a negative outcome to be higher.

One possible reason is biological. Harvard University scientists believe that the frontal lobe of the brain, which is responsible for decision-making and evaluating consequences, develops more slowly in men than in women. This may explain the greater tendency toward impulsive behavior at a young age.

In addition to risk perception, behavior is also influenced by cultural factors. Risky behavior is often associated with masculinity. At the same time, refusing to take dangerous actions can be perceived as a sign of weakness, which further pushes men to make rash decisions.

Mental illnesses

Men are less likely than women to seek help for mental health problems . Societal expectations and traditional gender roles make it difficult for them to openly discuss their experiences and ask for support. Admitting emotional problems can be seen as a weakness — even by those closest to them.Men are also more likely to choose less-than-ideal ways to cope with stress, such as alcohol and drug abuse. This can worsen mental health and lead to social and health consequences.

Experts from the Anxiety Disorders Association of America believe that toxic masculinity plays a significant role in this process. Men are taught from childhood to “harden up” and suppress emotions, which leads to shame for expressing feelings and an inability to manage anxiety. Anger and aggression become the only acceptable emotions, which aggravates stress and worsens the quality of life.

Suicide

Although women are more likely to attempt suicide, it is men who die more often by suicide: abroad, they account for more than 80% of deaths. Moreover, in recent years, the gap in the number of deaths due to suicide between men and women has only grown .Suicide rates among men are consistently high across ages, but most often in men over 75, followed by relatively stable rates among those aged 25 to 64, and the lowest among young people.

Dangerous work

Men are more likely to choose dangerous professions. And although today women can work in almost any field, there are still more than 100 areas in Russia where employment is officially available only to men. Even where restrictions have been lifted, there are significantly fewer women, especially in physically demanding and risky professions.

Research shows that when choosing a job, people evaluate its level of risk, and women generally try to avoid places where there is a high probability of injury and death. Men, on the contrary, agree to such conditions more often – including because of high salary and status. Dangerous work is often perceived as an indicator of strength and courage.

How a man can live longer

Life expectancy for men depends largely on lifestyle, health literacy, and social factors. While some aspects of biology cannot be changed, others are quite manageable. Here are a few things that can help men live longer and healthier:

• Regular visits to the doctor. It is worth contacting a specialist not only when something is ill, but also for prevention. For this purpose, in Russia there is a medical examination – a scheduled health check, which can be done free of charge under the compulsory medical insurance policy.
• Fighting bad habits. Quitting smoking and reducing alcohol consumption can significantly reduce the risks of cardiovascular diseases, cancer and fatal accidents.
• Proper nutrition and physical activity. These two factors play a key role in prolonging life. The Mediterranean diet, rich in vegetables, fruits, fish and healthy fats, helps reduce the risk of chronic diseases. And daily activity – at least 30 minutes of walking or light exercise – strengthens the cardiovascular system and slows down aging .
• Mental health support. Depression, anxiety and chronic stress are directly linked to the risk of strokes, heart attacks and risky behavior. It is important to break down stereotypes and promote mental health care among men, helping them find ways to support themselves.
• Reducing risk. Using protective equipment, following traffic rules, and being more mindful of your career choices can significantly reduce the likelihood of injuries and accidents.
• Improved social activity. Research shows that men who lead active social lives live longer. Team hobbies, regular socializing with friends, and participation in social events reduce stress levels and promote emotional well-being.