Hormonal
Women exhibit lower biological aging and greater longevity than men, evidenced by molecular biomarkers, higher mitochondrial function, and longer telomeres, despite experiencing higher frailty and worse health outcomes at the end of life.
Biological aging is not identical between sexes. Women generally show molecular signs of slower aging (better mitochondrial function, longer telomeres) and live longer, but often suffer more from frailty and chronic disease in old age. Men may maintain physical function longer but face higher risks of early mortality and specific diseases. Personalized health strategies should account for these inherent biological differences rather than applying a one-size-fits-all approach to aging.
In general, women live longer than men, consistent with lower biological ages as assessed by molecular biomarkers... but there is a paradox. Women are frailer and have worse health at the end of life.
Why this rating
Based on a comprehensive review of human epidemiological studies, genetic data (UK Biobank), and animal models.
Source
Sex differences in biological aging with a focus on human studies
Sara Hägg et al. · eLife · 2021
DOI 10.7554/elife.63425
More from this paper
- Estrogen and other sex hormones play a protective role in mitochondrial function and aging, with women showing higher mitochondrial gene expression and activity compared to men.Good
- Telomere length is sexually dimorphic, with women having longer telomeres than men from birth, which may contribute to their longer lifespan, although the causal relationship is complex and influenced by genetics and stress.Good
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