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Discovery: Why do women outlive men

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24/12/2012 GMT

Why do women outlive men

BBC World Service - Discovery, Why do women outlive men

Why do women live longer than men? Dr Yan Wong explores new theories on gender and ageing

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

Baby girls born today in the UK can expect to live to 82 years old, whereas boys on average will die 4 years earlier.

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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