The Free Press Journal

Now you know why women live longer

- PIC: SNAPWI.RE

Researcher­s have tried to ask a commonly asked question — Why do women live longer than men? Women have some natural physical advantages as to why they live longer than men. While this gender gap is not fully understood, it is well known that there are more reasons than just the typical riskier behaviours of some men, including smoking and drinking alcohol. It is thought to be, in part, due to estrogen protecting women from heart disease for a longer period in life.

In trying to understand why women age slower than men, researcher­s have looked at the rate of cellular aging. One of the biological difference­s from birth is that women have longer telomeres. Scientists have long understood the importance of telomeres in healthy longevity.

Dr. Elissa Epel from the University of California in San Francisco will provide a detailed look at those factors that modulate telomere length, with special emphasis on women’s reproducti­ve health, hormones, and mental health.

Longer telomeres predict less cardiovasc­ular disease and, in many instances, a longer life for both men and women. “Some experiment­al studies suggest estrogen exposure increases the activity of telomerase, the enzyme that can protect and elongate telomeres,” said Dr. Epel. She warns, however, that telomeres can be shortened prematurel­y by stress and chronic or childhood psychologi­cal adversity. The findings are present in Menopause: The Journal of the North American Menopause Society.

It is thought to be, in part, due to estrogen protecting women from heart disease for a longer period in life.

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