Which gender usually dies first?


Editorial team Published on

Men, on average, die earlier than women across almost all countries and cultures. Worldwide, men typically have a lower life expectancy, dying about 5 to 6 years sooner than women.

Why Men Die Earlier

  • Health habits: Men visit doctors for routine screenings less often than women and may delay seeking help for physical or emotional pain.
  • Risky behaviors: Rates of smoking, heavy alcohol use, and high-risk activities are higher among men, leading to more unintentional injuries and accidents.
  • Heart disease: Men face a higher risk of heart disease at younger ages compared to women.
  • Mental health: Men die by suicide at significantly higher rates than women, partly due to social stigmas surrounding mental health care.
  • Work hazards: Men make up the vast majority of workers in high-risk occupations, such as construction, firefighting, and military combat.
  • Biology and genetics: Evolutionary and biological factors—including hormonal differences like testosterone versus estrogen—also play a part in influencing lifespan and vulnerability to certain diseases.