This article explores the differences in aging between the two most common sexes, considering life expectancy, appearance, healthcare use, hormones, sexual function, and brain aging.
Life Expectancy
It’s a simple fact that, almost everywhere in the world, females live longer than males. Experts have different theories for this.
One theory is that males die younger because they often participate in more dangerous activities and tend to have more dangerous occupations, like being in the armed forces. Statistially, that explains some, but not all, of the differences.
If this theory is accurate, seeing their healthcare providers more often may help males live longer.
Appearance
It’s a stereotype that men age “better” than women. However, there is some science behind this.
It has to do with collagen, a protein found in skin and connective tissues. It’s what makes your skin elastic, which is associated with how young you look. The human body loses collagen as it ages, which is why skin takes on a different appearance.
Males lose collagen earlier and more consistently throughout life. Females tend to keep more until menopause, when they lose it at a dramatic rate.
So while males slowly, gradually look older, females experience a more sudden, marked change in how old they look.
Sex Hormones
Sex hormones affect how you age. Both male and female hormones decline as you get older.
It’s a bit misleading to label hormones as male or female, as everyone has some of each type, but at varying levels determined by biological sex.
Androgens
Male hormones are called androgens. The primary androgen—testosterone—helps regulate muscle mass, bone mass, and overall physical function. As it drops off, you naturally become weaker and less able to perform physical feats. Lower testosterone is also tied to:
Increased belly fatBalance problemsHigher fall riskMore frequent injuries
Additionally, it can contribute to chronic conditions such as:
Obstructive sleep apneaDepressionObesityChronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)Type 2 diabetesKidney and liver disease
The more testosterone levels drop in males, the shorter their lifespan.
In females, androgens play a role in the production of estrogens, which are the primary female hormones. So declining androgen levels lead to declining estrogen levels. They’re also linked to:
Impaired sexual functionLessened physical performanceWeight gainCognitive declinesEmotional changesBone loss
Researchers still have much to learn about the role of testosterone on female health.
Estrogens
For most of their lives, females have about four times more estrogens than males.
In females, estrogens are responsible for:
Development of reproductive organsGrowth of the uterine lining (endometrium)Sexual and reproductive functionHow your body uses carbohydrates and other fats
In males and females, estrogens:
Lower the inflammatory response to injuriesMay protect against oxidative stress, which is believed to contribute to many chronic illnessesProtect against muscle damage and promote muscle repairEnhance growth and recovery of cellsPlay a role in muscle strength and nervous system healthMaintain bone health
All of these functions decline as estrogen production drops. In males, that happens gradually. Meanwhile, during the first year of menopause, females lose about 80% of their estrogen production.
Once again, males steadily experience the effects of advancing age while post-menopausal females take a dramatic step.
Sexual Function
Given the close ties between sex hormones and sexual function, it should come as no surprise that male sexuality changes slowly while female sexuality changes significantly after menopause.
The common belief that male sexuality peaks at 18 and female sexuality peaks much later is true. Male testosterone levels are highest at 18 and then steadily drop for the next several decades.
For females, sexual desire increases just before estrogen levels (and fertility) begin to drop. This generally starts in the late 20s and continues until perimenopause (the hormonal shift that happens before menstrual cycles stop), which is generally in the 30s or 40s.
Males and females both see drops in sexual interest in their 50s because of physical changes due largely to hormones. That can lead to:
Erectile dysfunction Less male ejaculate Vaginal dryness Less orgasmic pleasure Lower overall sexual function
Even so, sex drive and sexual function generally remain strong through the 50s. For many people, serious declines in sexual desire and performance come in their 60s or later.
Brain Aging
Brain aging is also different for males and females. Everyone’s brain shrinks with age, and the brain’s metabolism slows down, as well.
In both cases, changes appear to happen faster to the male brain. According to a 2019 study, the average male brain is about three years older, in functional terms, than the average female brain.
Cognitive impairment appears to have different causal factors for males and females, as well. It’s more common in men who:
Are overweightHave diabetesHave had a stroke
It’s more common in females who:
Are dependent on others for daily tasksLack a strong social network
While researchers can make these generalities, they note that the course of natural brain aging varies significantly from one person to the next.
Other Factors
Many other factors affect your lifespan plus how you look, feel, and function as you age. They include:
GeneticsNutritionLifestyle (socioeconomic status, sleep quality, physical activity levels, etc. )Environment (where you work, where you live, the amount of pollution you’re exposed to, etc. )
Of those, genetics is the only one you can’t change. To improve the others, start by talking to your healthcare provider about what healthy changes you can make.
Centenarians and Aging
People who live to the age of 100 or beyond are called centenarians. Studies suggest females are more likely than males to live that long.
Among centenarians, research has found some sex-based differences:
24% of males and 43% of females are “survivors" (meaning they survived at least one age-related illness before age 80). 32% of males and 15% of females are “escapers” (meaning they haven’t had any major health conditions). 44% of males and 42% of females are “delayers” (meaning they didn’t have any major diagnoses until after age 80).
Summary
When it comes to different aspects of aging, males fare better in some regards and females do better in others.
Females tend to have longer lives (even making it to 100 more often), a “younger” brain age, and more frequent visits to healthcare providers, which may mean diagnosing illnesses earlier.
In appearance and sexual function, males tend to have slow, gradual declines. Females tend to have rapid declines after menopause.
Many factors influence how you age. Some of them are out of your control, such as genetics and declining hormone levels. Others—including nutrition, lifestyle, and environment—you may be able to change.
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