The Female/Male Differential in Life Expectancy

In Israel, as in almost all countries around the world, women tend to live longer than men. Based on a thorough review of the professional literature, this paper summarizes the key factors thought to account for this life-expectancy differential. It also explores changes in the female/male life expectancy differential over time and possible reasons for them.

The female/male differential in Israel is approximately four years, which is among the smallest in the world. In North America, the differential is 4–6 years, while in Russia it is 14. The female/male differential is believed to be due in part to genetics: already in the womb, more male fetuses are spontaneously aborted than are females. Moreover, the infant mortality rate is higher in males. However, genetics and biology cannot fully explain the life-expectancy differentials, as these vary substantially across countries, time periods, and social classes. Other factors include differences in the occupational mix, family and social roles, tendencies toward reckless driving and violence, and health related behaviors (particularly in the areas of smoking and alcohol use).

In most countries, the female/male differential has been narrowing over time. However, there are some important exceptions to the global trend of declining male/female differentials; these include Russia, Sweden, and the United Kingdom.

Higher female life expectancy is usually accompanied by higher rates of chronic illness and disability during the additional years of life. Thus the female/male differential for “healthy life expectancy” (i.e., the number of years a person can expect to live in good health) is smaller than for the traditional “life expectancy” measure.

Looking to the future, the paper concludes with a discussion of several major issues facing societies around the world:

  • Under what conditions would increased longevity (for both men and women) be a desirable goal and, if so, what can be done to achieve it?
  • What targeted efforts can be introduced to increase healthy male longevity specifically, thereby decreasing the female/male differential?

This study was supported by the Singer family