Health and longevity are almost everyone’s wishes, but those who observe carefully will notice that generally, men have a shorter lifespan compared to women. The gap in the average lifespan between men and women is gradually widening, with women experiencing a faster growth in lifespan. Moreover, the probability of men developing major diseases after a certain age is much higher than that of women. These significant diseases also pose a threat to men’s lifespan. So, what are the reasons that contribute to men’s shorter lifespan? What methods can we use to prolong our lifespan and ensure our physical health?
Reasons why men generally have a shorter lifespan than women:
1. Physiological reasons
It is related to the physiological differences between men and women. Men tend to develop heart diseases and strokes about 10 years earlier than women. After menopause, women’s risks of these diseases decrease relatively. Hence, we can conclude that longevity is related to hormone secretion or endocrine system. Compared to men, women have the advantage of menstrual cycle, which facilitates detoxification and promotes the metabolism of the hematopoietic system, thus benefiting overall health—a factor that men lack.
2. Stress-related reasons
Despite the current pursuit of freedom and equality where there are numerous career-driven women, some physically demanding jobs are still more suitable for men. This leads to men frequently working tirelessly and facing greater stress. Therefore, men generally endure more stress than women. Additionally, some men tend to keep things to themselves, exacerbating the stress levels. Prolonged accumulation of stress can have negative effects on the body.
3. Maintenance-related reasons
This is a crucial point. Compared to women, men are less knowledgeable about self-care. Most women’s natural inclination towards beauty motivates them to exercise, take health supplements, maintain a proper sleep schedule, among others. Men are generally less concerned about these practices. Bad habits such as staying up late, smoking, and excessive drinking can detrimentally affect men’s health. Some men also avoid cooking and prefer eating out, consuming high-fat, high-salt foods, unknowingly increasing the risks of high blood pressure and thrombosis.
Men with shorter lifespans tend to have these 3 bad habits
1. Neglecting lung health
The lungs are essential respiratory organs in the body, enabling the breathing of air to sustain life. Nowadays, many men have the habit of smoking, some starting even before reaching adulthood. This habit poses significant harm to developing lungs, with 80% of lung cancer cases attributed to smoking. Smoking can also cause oral health issues like teeth discoloration, adding to the variety of diseases men are susceptible to.
2. Ignoring liver health
The liver is a vital detoxifying organ in the body, especially for men who lack menstrual cycles. However, through habits like alcohol consumption and indulgence in heavy, unhealthy diets, men overload the liver. Alcohol, whether in high-proof spirits or low-alcohol content beverages like red wine, adds strain on the liver. Ethanol in alcohol requires liver metabolism for breakdown and elimination; excessive drinking can take a toll on the liver and may demand a year for recovery after a season of heavy drinking. To maintain liver health, men are advised to minimize alcohol intake and drink in moderation, as excessive drinking harms the body.
3. Neglecting kidney health
The kidneys are essential excretory and reproductive organs in the body, critical for men’s overall health. Contemporary consumption of beverages and high-salt, high-sugar foods burdens the kidneys. Additionally, unhealthy behaviors like staying up late exacerbate kidney damage. Some men engage in behaviors like holding urine, such as long-haul drivers, which can significantly harm the kidneys.
