Global and Indian data show women outlive men by several years. Learn what drives the gender gap in life expectancy
Across the world, men consistently die earlier than women. This pattern has held for more than a century and appears in almost every country. On average, women live about five years longer than men, a gap shaped by biology, lifestyle, behavior, and social conditions.
Biologically, several factors give women an edge. Estrogen, a key female hormone, offers cardiovascular protection by promoting healthy blood vessels and reducing inflammation until menopause, helping to lower early heart disease risk in women. Women also benefit from having two X chromosomes, providing genetic redundancy which means that if one X has a harmful mutation, the other can often compensate—unlike men, who have only one X and a Y chromosome.
Global data consistently show this trend. According to Worldometer’s 2025 estimates, global life expectancy stands at around 76 years for women and 71 years for men, reflecting a five-year gap. The World Health Organization (WHO) also notes that women outlive men in 99% of countries, regardless of geography or income level.
Also read: Global data reports: Chronic Kidney Disease Now the 8th Leading Cause of Death Globally
Research published in Demographic Research further confirms that the gap has persisted for decades. In high-income countries, women often reach 84–87 years, while men average 78–81 years. Countries like Japan continue to lead in longevity, with women living around 87.1 years and men 81.1 years.
India also follows the same global trend, with women living 2–3 years longer than men on average. Men in India face multiple risks that shorten their lifespan, including higher rates of early cardiovascular disease, greater exposure to dangerous occupations such as construction, transport, and agriculture, and significantly higher tobacco use. Road accidents disproportionately affect men, and untreated stress or mental health issues further increase early mortality.
At the same time, improvements in maternal health care, better vaccination coverage, and growing access to healthcare services have helped raise women’s life expectancy. Yet challenges remain, including underdiagnosed illnesses among women, nutritional disparities, and persistent gender bias in some regions. Despite these barriers, the female survival advantage remains consistent across most states.
A significant social factor contributing to this imbalance is hegemonic masculinity—the cultural expectation that men should be tough, self-reliant, unemotional, and willing to take risks. These norms often discourage men from seeking medical care early, acknowledging stress, or adopting preventive health behaviors. As a result, many men engage in riskier lifestyles, underuse mental health services, and delay treatment for serious symptoms. This behavior pattern directly contributes to higher mortality rates and widens the gender gap in life expectancy.
Here’s a breakdown of key global contributors based on recent WHO and health data.
| Cause of Death | % of Deaths from This Cause That Are Male | Key Gender Difference | Estimated Contribution to Life Expectancy Gap |
| Cardiovascular Disease | ~60% | Men develop heart disease 7–10 years earlier; rates 1.5–2× higher in men under 65 | +1.5–2 years |
| Tobacco-Related Illnesses | ~80% | 80% of the 8 million annual tobacco deaths are male; male smoking rates 5× higher globally | +1 year |
| Road Traffic Injuries | 75% | Men are 3× more likely to die in crashes due to riskier driving and behaviors | +0.5 years |
| Cancers (lung, liver, etc.) | ~65% | Higher male incidence due to tobacco/alcohol use; overall cancer mortality slightly higher in men | +0.5–1 year |
The fact that men die earlier highlights avoidable risks and gaps in public health systems. Many contributing factors are preventable through early screenings, mental health support, safer workplaces, and shifting cultural norms that encourage men to prioritize their wellbeing. This issue makes clear that life expectancy is shaped not only by biology but also by behavior, culture, and policy. Addressing these areas can help narrow the gap and build healthier, more equitable societies.
[Prateeksha Thakur] is a seasoned journalist known for [her] sharp analysis and clear communication. At Newsisland, [she] focus on political reporting, offering readers a nuanced understanding of complex issues.
