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BBC Radio 4 is a radio channel that started transmitting on the 30th September 1967. It replaced BBC Home Service.

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Frontiers

Factual: Science & Nature

Programme exploring new ideas in science and meeting the researchers responsible

Programme exploring new ideas in science and meeting the scientists and researchers responsible for them, as well as hearing from their critics

Frontiers: Why do women live longer than men?

Why do women live longer than men?

14/11/2012

BBC Radio 4 - Frontiers, Why do women live longer than men?

Dr Yan Wong explores new theories on gender and ageing.

Evolutionary biologist Dr Yan Wong asks if men are at a biological disadvantage when it comes to life expectancy.

In the UK today, male life expectancy is 78 years old, whereas women will on average live four years longer.

Evolutionary biologist Dr Yan Wong looks at the latest evidence suggesting that where ageing is concerned, men seem to be at a genetic disadvantage. From research on ancient Korean eunuchs to laboratory fruit flies, new studies seek the answer to why males across the animal kingdom live faster and die younger.

So, is the gender gap here to stay?

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