In every country worldwide, women live longer lives than men. In the U.S., the current life expectancy for women is 81.2 years, compared to 76.1 years for men. Here are some of the reasons behind why women tend to outlive men.
Lifestyle Choices
Many factors that influence a person’s longevity are tied to choices they make, such as the decision to smoke or drink excessive amounts of alcohol. In general, fewer women are smokers, and those who are smokers smoke fewer cigarettes than male smokers. The same goes for alcohol. Men drink more frequently and tend to prefer drinks with higher alcohol content, which can cause health concerns. Making healthy lifestyle choices can increase longevity for both genders. Seniors who want to remain healthy as they age can benefit in a variety of ways when they receive professional in-home care.Home Care Assistance is here to help your loved one accomplish daily tasks, prevent illness, and focus on living a healthier and more fulfilling life.
Healthcare Decisions
Women are more likely to make informed and timely healthcare decisions, leading to better prognoses when they have conditions such as cancer or diabetes. They tend to take preventative care more seriously. Women are also more likely to follow treatment regimens and be proactive about their health. These decisions lead to women leading longer and healthier lives. There are a variety of age-related health conditions that can make it more challenging for seniors to live independently. However, many of the challenges they face can be easier to manage if their families opt for professional senior care. Des Moines families can rely on expertly trained caregivers to keep their loved ones safe and comfortable while aging in place.
Exposure to Violence
Men are more likely to die at younger ages from violence, particularly violence related to criminal activity, war, and suicide. Even though some of these factors mainly affect males between the ages of 16 and 24, even in their later years, men are more likely to die violently than women. In fact, after the age of 55, men commit suicide at a rate almost four times higher than women do.
Influence of Hormones
The primary male hormone is testosterone. This hormone is frequently linked with risk-taking behavior and cardiovascular disease, both of which contribute heavily to the lower life expectancy for men. By contrast, an important female hormone, estrogen, is associated with lower cholesterol and has an antioxidant effect. The negative medical and behavioral influences of testosterone can lead to poorer health outcomes for men. Families who find it difficult to care for their aging loved ones without assistance can benefit greatly from professional respite care. Des Moines, IA, family caregivers who need a break from their caregiving duties can turn to Home Care Assistance. Using our proprietary Balanced Care Method, our respite caregivers can encourage your loved one to eat well, exercise regularly, get plenty of mental and social stimulation, and focus on other lifestyle factors that promote longevity. To learn about our quality-assured services, give us a call at (515) 264-2438 today.
