Gender Gap in Life Expectancy Widens: Women Outlive Men by Nearly 6 Years

A new study led by the University of California has found that women in the US are now living nearly 6 years longer than men, marking the largest gender gap in life expectancy since 1996. The study attributes this gap to several factors, including the disproportionate toll of the COVID-19 pandemic on men, unintentional injuries and drug overdoses, accidents, and suicide. These causes, referred to as "deaths of despair," are associated with economic hardships, depression, and stress. Improved medical care for women, such as reductions in cancer and perinatal conditions, also contributes to the gap. The study highlights the need to address chronic metabolic disease and mental illness as potential factors.