Women have a natural genetic advantage over men, which allows them to live longer. Despite the less healthy lifestyles of men in the past, experts have still been slightly puzzled as to why the average life span of a woman approaches 80 years, while the average man lives some four or five years less. The secret they say lies in the chromosomes in each cell, which hold all the genetic instructions to make the body function properly. Although many scientists believe there is a genetic reason why woman live longer, conventional wisdom states that there are other significant reasons why this should be the case. In particular, men have historically smoked more, drunk more alcohol, and engaged in more risk taking activities than women. I am sure genetics must have a role; however, there are many other factors to consider as well. You guessed it: a Health Mystery it is!
