We all must have come across the phase: this is why women live longer than men. These are all over the social media, where men are performing more often than not, some experiments, without gears, just for fun, "in the name of science". The caption reads: this is why women live longer. However, is there really a science to it, other than the fact that women choose to do things more safely?

In the United States, women have a life expectancy of about 80, whereas men have 75. Women outlive men and this holds true regardless of the country women live, the money they make, and other factors. In fact, it is true for most other mammals too.

Dr Dena Dubal, a professor of neurology at the University of California, San Francisco told the New York Times, "It is a very robust phenomenon all over the world, totally conserved in sickness, during famines, during epidemics, even during the times of starvation."

But what are the reasons? These reasons are often more complicated and less established. It is important to note that only because women are outliving men does not mean they are living a better life. In fact, women tend to have shorter health spans, which means the number of healthy years in a person's life is less in women than men, confirmed Bérénice Benayoun, an associate professor at the U.S.C. Leonard Davis School of Gerontology.

As per a 2021 study titled, Sex differences in frailty: Comparisons between humans and preclinical models, found that women are more physically grail than men in old age. They are also more vulnerable, especially after menopause and are at more risk of developing cardiovascular issues and Alzheimer's disease because of age.

The key is in figuring out what makes one sex more resilient or vulnerable.

Genetics

For things which do not find easy explanations, scientists look for their answers in genes. Many research, including a 2020 study titled, The sex with the reduced sex chromosome dies earlier: a comparison across the tree of life, suggests that the XX set of female sex chromosomes may impact longevity. However, there has not been any clarity on how it affects longevity.

Another 2018 study titled, Female XX sex chromosomes increase survival and extend lifespan in aging mice, which was conducted by Dr Dubal's lab, looked at genetically manipulated mice with different combinations of sex chromosomes and reproductive organs. It was found that those with two X chromosomes and ovaries lived longest, followed by mice with two X chromosomes and testes. Mice with XY chromosomes had shorter life spans.

"There was something about the second X chromosome that was protecting the mice from dying earlier in life, even if they had testes. What if there was something on that second X chromosome that was in some ways a sprinkle of the fountain of youth," says Dr Dubal. While scientists have not yet looked at this factor in humans, Dr Dubal suggests that humans have the same hormones and sex chromosomes, and similar reproductive system that could corroborate the similar findings in people.

Hormones

Plenty research has shown that estrogen is responsible for longevity also effect on the immune system. The data also shows that before menopause, the female immune system tends to do better. In fact Dr Benayoun said that males tend to do much worse in response to infection.

Another 2017 study titled, Ages at Menarche and Menopause and Reproductive Lifespan As Predictors of Exceptional Longevity in Women: The Women's Health Initiative, found that women who experienced menopause later in life over the age 50 lived longer than those who experienced it earlier.

Lifestyle and Behavior

There are also disparity in behavioral patterns between men and women. This includes smoking, drinking heavily, which can contribute significantly to mortality. Women also have more "health promoting behavior", believe experts. Women are also more likely to socialize than men and thus it protects them from detrimental effects of social isolation and loneliness. In fact, a 2023 analysis published in Jama Network, titled, Widening Gender Gap in Life Expectancy in the US, 2010-2021, found that women are less likely to die by drug overdose or suicide.

Delhi's air pollution continues to remain in the 'severe' category, and an analysis of Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2023 found that in Delhi, 15% of all deaths are due to the air pollution. The study suggests that air pollution is city's single largest health risk. The deaths rose from 15,786 in 2018 to 17,188 in 2023.

Are Men Breathing In More Pollution?

Another study published in Scientific Reports, a five-year study titled Respiratory Deposition of Particulate Matter in Delhi: A Five-Year Assessment of Exposure Patterns and Health Risks tracked how particulate matter settles inside the respiratory system and found that men's exposure can be up to 1.4 times higher, especially while walking or commuting. The study noted that men on average spend more time outdoors while working, commuting, or walking in traffic-heavy areas. This leads to an increase in exposure.

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Another reason is physiological, men have larger lung volumes, which means they inhale a greater volume of air with every breath. While women breathe slightly faster, the overall dose of pollution that settles in lungs tends to be higher in men because of how much air they inhale at once, and how long they stay outdoors.

While sitting, men inhale 1.5 times higher than women when it comes to PM2.5, and while walking, they absorb 1.2 times more than women. The same pattern is seen in PM10, while sitting, men record 1.34 times higher, and while walking, they inhale 1.15 times higher.

Delhi's AQI Today: On Tuesday, December 23, Delhi's AQI stood at 408 which is under the 'severe' category, around 5.30 am.

Read: British Man Compares Breathing In Delhi To Smoking 18 Cigarettes

Clean Air Is A Basic Right, Not A Luxury

This is happening in Delhi as we come closer to the festive time of Christmas. To draw attention to the continuously worsening AQI, National Students' Union of India (NSUI) representatives dressed as Santa Clause with gas masks. The NSUI volunteers walked in Santa Claus costumes, wearing gas masks to convey the message about Delhi's deteriorating air quality and growing public health emergency, and distributed face masks, candies, as well as handwritten notes that explained what exposure to polluted air can do to one's health. The NSUI representative also led an awareness walk and one of the office bearers said, "Santa represents joy, gifts and care for children. When even Santa needs a gas mask to survive in Delhi, it forces people to think about what kind of air our children are breathing."

“People already know the air is bad, but they have started accepting it as normal. Our effort is to remind everyone that this should not be normal," said another volunteer.

How To Read AQI?

As per the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), here is how you can know what your AQI stands for

• 0 to 50: Good
• 51 to 100: Satisfactory
• 101 to 200: Moderate
• 201 to 300: Poor
• 301 to 400: Very Poor
• 401 to 500: Severe

Air quality is made of dust and small particles like PM2.5 and PM10, along with gases like nitrogen dioxide from car exhaust, sulphur dioxide from factories, and carbon monoxide from vehicles. The levels are measured through specialized machines. In India, the standard of the machines are carried out by the CPCB.

A new virus is going around the world, and experts say that it is stronger than COVID and flu. This has been termed as the new 'untreatable' mystery virus, and some even have warned that disinfectant cannot get rid of it.

This is the adenovirus, which exhibits same symptoms as a serious flu, including shortness of breath, a runny nose, and a sore throat. However, one difference is that this virus has lack of treatments. So for anyone who may have caught it, will have no other option but to "tough it out". However, the silver lining here is that in most cases, adenovirus is fairly mild, but if you are immunocompromised, then the symptoms could become more serious, reports the Mirror.

Eric Sachinwalla, Jefferson Health's medical director said that this virus is still unfamiliar and thus not much can actually be done to treat adenovirus. Speaking to PhillyMad, he said, "It is pretty contagious because it is heartier than other viruses - soap and water, or everyday disinfectant, won't kill it, so it tends to live in the environment longer."

Common Symptoms Of Adenovirus

• Shortness of breath
• Runny nose
• Sore Throat
• Diarrhea
• Pink eye

The good news is that for most part, these symptoms are manageable with rest. However, people who are more vulnerable, like the elderly, pregnant, or immunocompromised, may have to be more careful and keep a closer eye on their symptoms.

If the fever takes the body temperature to 40 Celsius, then it could be a serious situation, and you must consult your GP.

Read: Mystery Disease Adenovirus: New Virus Said To Be Stronger Than Covid And Flu — All You Need To Know

How Long Do The Symptoms Of This Mysterious Disease Last?

The symptoms usually start to subside within two days, however, if the symptoms stay even after three days without any relief, it might be a red flag. The best thing to do during such a situation is to go consult your GP.

What Is Adenovirus?

Adenovirus is a virus that has more than 60 different strains, which is why it is able to cause a variety of symptoms. Adenovirus refers to a group of common viruses that usually trigger cold- or flu-like illness. It spreads easily because it is far more resilient than many other viruses. Ordinary soap, water, and standard disinfectants do not reliably destroy it, allowing it to persist in the environment. As a result, infections often cluster in places where people spend time close together, such as daycares and military barracks. The virus spreads through the respiratory tract, can be shed in stool, and can survive for some time on contaminated surfaces, according to the CDC.

The reason for its spread right now is due to the surge of flu cases in the southern hemisphere which has influenced the outbreaks in the northern hemisphere. Another reason is the lower flu vaccinate rates, which has now made a large number of population more vulnerable to infections, overall, including adenovirus.

How Can You Stay Safe?

Since adenovirus spreads through close contact and is resistant to many everyday disinfectants, hygiene remains the key. The best way to stay safe is by avoiding close contact, especially with those who are unwell. You may also keep an eye on your symptoms, including your body temperature and take steps to prevent the virus from spreading by taking precautions, as well as getting the flu jab.

As we step closer to 2026, let us look at what healthcare trends could shape the upcoming year. The 2026 healthcare trend will follow or shape on challenges that 2025 threw on us, these included a surge in lifestyle diseases, continuous cases of non communicable diseases, which are preventable, and a rise in infectious diseases. Based on them, the predictions of 2026 healthcare trends can be made.

Preventive Care Will Matter The Most

In 2026, healthcare will look most at prevention. As a significant portion of diseases, like the NCDs or the non communicable diseases, which also include half of all the cancers are preventable. This includes changes in lifestyle habits, including food habits, dietary fiber intake, exercise, and maintaining a regular sleep cycle.

Careful Use Of GLP-1 Medication

2025 saw a surge in the use of GLP-1 medication, however, this year also saw many reported unusual side effects of the medication. The year 2026 will emphasize more on the correct use of the medication, as well as, what areas must one pay heed to, especially after the medications have been stopped.

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Shift In Patient Coverage

In the US, new changes have been done in Medicaid and its eligibility, which might change the rules on potential expiration of advanced premium tax credits. This may mean that many patients could become uninsured, or underinsured. Moreover, other changes in the coverage may include GLP-1 medication, as on November 6 of 2025, President Trump announced deals with Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk slashed prices and brought coverage to eligible beneficiaries for just a $50 copay, down from $1,000 per month, out of the pocket.

DIY Skincare

Experts, like board-certified plastic surgeon John Diaz, MD, tells Cosmopolitan that 2026 will see a rise in DIY skincare trends. This would be making skincare products yourself, which could include yogurt face masks, to kitchen-sink sunscreen. However experts have pointed out that products which are not backed by science or have used ingredients without a correct measure could do more harm than good to the skin. “Many people who tried DIY skincare found these treatments to be inconsistent or ineffective. At the end of the day, consumers want efficacy, which drives them towards products formulated with scientifically proven ingredients," says the doctor.

Annual Testing To Become A Norm

In 2025, there were many cases of young people experiencing strokes and hear attacks. This has shifted the conversation on annual testing, regular screenings, and blood works for people who may fit the traditional definition of "healthy". Many people under the age of 40 have also reported cancer, which is what makes early screenings, annual testing, and blood work more important to ensure that everything in the body is working smoothly.

Read: 5 Tests Your GP Isn’t Ordering, But Could Spot A Disease Even Before Symptoms Appear, According to Doctor

While getting checked once a year is not a new concept, however, it was mostly common in older adults, but now more young adults are also now considering getting annual tests done, as they are easily available and can help detect severe illness early.

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