Secrets to Longevity

Women outlive men by about five years, on average, according to the most recent data from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.  Longevity researchers know that the reasons for women’s higher lifespan are complex, with genetic, hormonal, psychological and sociological factors all playing a role. Japanese scientists have confirmed that women’s immune systems age more slowly, contributing to the complex of factors that make women live longer. And, of course, the more scientists learn about longevity, the more we can pinpoint strategies for healthy aging for both genders.

Women’s Immune Systems Stay Healthier Longer: there are marked differences in the way the immune system ages in men and women. They also reported an age-related decline in red blood cells for men—but not for women.  

Young at “Heart”: More Reasons for Women’s Longevity.  “The process of aging is different for men and women for many reasons. Women have more estrogen than men which seems to protect them from cardiovascular disease until menopause.” Women are also relatively iron-deficient compared to men, another factor which can protect against heart disease.  Tom Perls, founder of the New England Centenarian Study at Boston University, notes that men are more likely to smoke, eat foods that lead to high cholesterol, and have unhealthy stress coping habits. Also, he points out, men are more likely to die earlier in life, with raging testosterone levels leading to risky and potentially dangerous behavior.

Longevity Tips for Boosting the Immune System:   The good news, according to Tom Perls, is that about 70 percent of variation in longevity is probably due to environmental factors, while only 30 percent is due to genetics. That means we have more control over our longevity than we realize. If we help our older adults and children incorporate positive habits, like eating a heart healthy diet, quitting smoking, reducing stress, and getting plenty of exercise, we’ll not only be boosting their immune systems—we’ll be doing our part to ensure they live long and healthy lives.