Final answer:
Life expectancy disparities between genders are influenced by biological factors, social determinants like gender roles, lifestyle choices, healthcare access, and risks such as violence and accidental deaths. Women typically have longer life expectancies, but the gap is narrowing as health outcomes for men improve.
Step-by-step explanation:
The differences in life expectancy between males and females can be attributed to a variety of factors, including biological differences, social and cultural influences, and lifestyle choices. Biological factors such as genetics and the physical differences between men and women, like the fact that women may have a genetic advantage contributing to a stronger immune system, play a key role. Social determinants, including gender roles that influence risky behaviors (e.g., higher rates of smoking and alcohol consumption among men), exposure to occupational hazards, and stress levels, are also significant. Healthcare access and quality, which can vary by gender, profoundly affect life expectancy, with women often more likely to seek preventive care.
Additionally, factors such as violence and accidental deaths impact men disproportionately. This can be exacerbated by cultural norms that may enable riskier behavior in men. However, it is worth noting that these gaps are closing over time, suggesting improvements in health outcomes for men.