Tyler Mckay | Staff Writer
Rashav Panda | Contributor
Featured Image: Lifestyle factors and genetic conditions can go hand in hand in rising health risks. | Courtesy of Pixabay
Life expectancy has vastly improved in the modern age, but recent studies have shown that women have been outliving men; with life expectancy for women the highest in more developed countries.
The Population Reference Bureau stated that: “Women outlive men in almost every society. In more developed countries, the average life expectancy at birth is 79 years for women, and 72 years for men. In less developed countries, where high maternal mortality reduces the difference in longevity, women can expect to live an average of 66 years, compared to 63 years for men.”
“The environment does play a major role in gender-based mortality. Commonly, women in third-world countries tend to stay within the house and act as a housewife, while the man is generally the one to step outside, go to work, take risks etc.” says a York biomedical student who wishes to remain anonymous. “This, and the constant stress of providing for the family could be reasons affecting men’s health,” she adds.
Bertrand Desjardins from the University of Montreal said, “the genetic difference between the sexes is associated with a better resistance to biological aging. Furthermore, female hormones and the role of women in reproduction have been linked to greater longevity.” Desjardins goes on to say that: “Even though many biological and genetic factors have been identified, their overall effect is impossible to measure, especially given the influence of social factors on mortality.”
The Population Reference Bureau stated: “The gender gap in life expectancy is smallest for the wealthy and highly educated, suggesting that broadening access to quality health care, diet, and other advantages can help men achieve a level of longevity closer to that of women.”
A Recent study found an increase of a condition that can cause heart attacks (acute myocardial infarction or AMI) among the young demographic. The study, which was conducted in a few cities across the United States, found: “The overall proportion of AMI admissions attributable to young patients steadily increased from 27 per cent in 1995 to 1999 to 32 per cent in 2010 to 2014.”
The researchers also found: “The largest increase was observed in young women.” When asked if the rise in heart attacks among young women would increase her likelihood of making health a priority, Marissa Di Taranto, a third-year environmental studies student, says: “I do have a history of heart disease and issues in my family, so I would 100 per cent be improving more than I already have.”
An anonymous biomedical science student says: “Although women may not go to a doctor for their symptoms, they will likely tend to watch their diet and take regular medication.”
