Why do many husbands pass away before their wives as they grow older?

In daily life, we often observe the phenomenon of men in elderly couples passing away at an earlier age, a situation that transcends cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds. Exploring its reasons involves multiple factors. From a biological perspective, the genetic composition and hormonal differences between men and women may be key. Men’s unique genes on the X chromosome and higher levels of male hormones are associated with increased risks of certain diseases, particularly cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, men face a higher risk of cardiovascular diseases in biomedicine compared to women, partly attributed to lifestyle and physiological factors, including the possibility of a more vulnerable immune system. Social factors are equally important. Men often assume the role of “strength,” societal pressures make them prone to neglect health issues, reluctant to show vulnerability or seek help. Moreover, men tend to engage in higher-risk occupations, exposing themselves to more stress and harmful environments, exacerbating health risks. Common unhealthy habits among men such as smoking, excessive drinking, unhealthy diet, and lack of exercise accelerate physical aging and increase the likelihood of illnesses. On a psychological level, societal restrictions on emotional expression for men may lead to psychological issues being overlooked. The pressure brought by traditional gender roles causes men to bear significant psychological burdens when expectations are not met, affecting both physical and mental health. To improve the health status of elderly men, the following measures are advocated: quitting smoking and limiting alcohol consumption to prevent chronic diseases; maintaining a balanced diet with emphasis on vegetables, fruits, and whole grains; regular exercise like walking, Tai Chi, to sustain physical vitality; prioritizing mental health, relieving stress through social interactions, learning new things, to enhance emotional well-being. Implementing these measures aims to enhance the overall well-being of elderly men, enabling them to share a healthy, harmonious late life with their partners and tackle life’s challenges together.