Why Men Die Younger Than Women (And How To Fix It)

Most men die before women do in the United States. American women lived on to 79 years old on average in 2021, compared to men, who only live until about 73 years old, according to CDC data. The U.S. has the highest rate of avoidable deaths, which is measured as death before the age of 75, among men than any comparable country. The life expectancy gender gap can have serious implications for society as a whole.

But there hasn't always been such a large gap between men and women. What became known as "the female advantage" emerged around 1890 and continued to grow throughout the 20th century, except for a decline during the 1918 flu pandemic. This change over time suggests to researchers that there could be an environmental component to life expectancy. That means there are some steps we can take to work toward helping men live longer.

"Everybody, men as well as women, benefit from a suite of particular behaviors," Karraker said. "A healthy diet, getting physical activity, not smoking, no-to-moderate alcohol consumption, maintaining deep, supportive social relationships. These are things that benefit everybody, including men."

Watch the video above to learn why men don’t live as long as women and what we can do about it.

Chapters:
0:00 — Intro
01:34 – Why men die younger
04:43 — Increasing life expectancy
07:07 — Retirement

Produced by: Charlotte Morabito
Additional Reporting by: Nathaniel Lee
Edited by: Santiago Garcia Munoz
Graphics by: Midnight Snacks
Supervising Producer: Lindsey Jacobson

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Why Men Die Younger Than Women (And How To Fix It)

[AWellLivedLife]

In a video titled "Why Men Die Younger Than Women" we get the quote "it's a particular challenge for women". No one takes men's issues seriously.

[spacetoast]

"Men die earlier than women, women most affected" -- That woman at 1:15

[dr.syndrome]

Even while describing why men die earlier, they made it about women and how it impacts them!

[musicjunk]

Title: how to help men live longer.
Content: how to help old women pay for lengthy retirements.

[vdiitd]

We are living in an era where a video about men dying ealry is not even about men.

[benny]

man they die early cuz we work our ass off to support our family.

[rickson]

1:15. A video on men's issues and women still find a way to be the victims

[divinbebelakashala]

For a video about men, the focus seemed to be "What happens to women."

[dafarijones]

It’s clear that it is not that they want males to live longer and healthier, but that it’s a taxation problem. Males issues suppressed as always in comparison to females. When can we just talk about males without the context to females.

[skmanunited]

They trying to make us live longer to support them longer lmao 😂

[gusby_gh]

Wait. I thought this was a discussion about how to help men? 😭

[dlewis]

I am 53. My ex-wife is 47. About half my income goes to support her. I work a 40 hour week and then I work about 16 hours a week at a major retailer. On weekends I drive on a ride hailing app. I do all this just to keep up with my obligations. She doesn't work. Who do you think will probably live longer?

[hydroaegis]

In a video about men dying earlier and having shorter lifespans, we have women complaining about not being financially supported in old age.

Certified *BRUH* moment.

[MrWaterbugdesign]

This "story" shows why men are dropping out. Total disregard for men other than getting them to live longer in order to support women because the problem in this story is women living longer in their retirement and didn't prepare.

[dainionwest]

Turning someone else's issue into their own is just about the most female thing I've seen in awhile, hats off cnbc.

[carlomorischi]

Because on average men work harder and get more stressed so they earn more but die earlier

[murphy]

As a man, I'd like to apologize for not living nearly long enough to help fund the retirement of older women. I hope that CNBC & other news outlets raise awareness to the needs & wants of older women, and not waste time in trying to address the lifespan disconnect. Give me a break!

[mnaqvi]

My 75 year old dad has always said women would die as early as men if more women married other women 😂

[ThejOH]

On behalf of all men, I want to apologize to the women that we die too soon. Our bad, just like everything else.

[TheOriginalBumper]

Just like most machines, if you push them harder for longer they wear out quicker. Men typically wear out quicker.