Why do women live longer? Could be down to the genes …

A recent study published in JAMA Open Network shows that gene differences might help explain why women live longer than men.

The study supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China, the US National Institute on Aging/National Institutes of Health, and the European Union 7th Framework Program showed that more than 36 genetic regions linked to living longer have been identified in women by international researchers, who also discovered a separate 46 genetic regions specific to men.

The researchers say this highlights that the sex differences in the genetics of longevity are remarkable and have been overlooked by previous studies.

The study also showed further work on how these genes interact with the environment could help target more individualised health care for elderly men and women.