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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.
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.
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.
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.
Chronic stress can take a toll on sperm count. (Photo credit: iStock)
Many men believe that as long as they feel healthy, active, and free from major illness, their fertility remains intact. While men do not have a sudden fertility cut-off like women, age still plays an important role when it comes to male fertility. Currently, a large number of men wish to start families later in life, often thinking their good health guarantees easy conception and fatherhood. They often neglect the age factor, even though it is linked to hormonal imbalance, stress, and genetic issues. A large number of men are unaware of their fertility health and continue to suffer. However, even in the absence of visible health problems, older men may face unexpected fertility challenges. Dr Madhukar J Shinde, Fertility Specialist at Nova IVF Fertility, PCMC, Pune, answered this for Health and Me.
Read more: The Overlooked Role of Men in IVF: Why Their Silent Strength Is Key to Fertility Success
Decline in sperm quality: Various studies have confirmed that as men age, sperm count, movement, and shape can slowly decline. Even if the numbers appear normal, DNA damage in sperm increases with age, which can reduce the chances of successful fertilisation.
Men must stay in touch with a fertility consultant who can design an appropriate treatment plan. The expert will evaluate them thoroughly and suggest lifestyle modifications such as a well-balanced diet, exercise, stress management through meditation, and medication for conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and cholesterol. Awareness helps men take informed steps towards parenthood, even later in life. Certain pre-medications, including antioxidants advised by a fertility consultant, may significantly help in reducing DNA fragmentation, which contributes to poor sperm function. Therefore, men should prioritise their reproductive health, stay informed, and not suffer in silence.
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High blood pressure (BP) has become a public health problem that is driving cardiovascular diseases like heart attacks and strokes globally. While medications are important to keep hypertension under control, lifestyle changes and healthy practices are also crucial.
Several global health guidelines recommend regular physical activity, but adhering to exercise programs daily becomes a challenge for many people. But in the overtly busy schedules, sparing 10 minutes for an exercise regimen can be easier than travelling to the gym.
A large randomized clinical trial, published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology (JACC), has proved that a traditional Chinese mind-body practice — baduanjin — may help lower blood pressure, that too, without any equipment.
Baduanjin is a slow, structured movement, focused on deep breathing and meditation.
Importantly, the clinical trial proved that the ancient Chinese technique could lower BP as effectively as brisk walking.
In people practicing baduanjin, BP reductions were seen after three months and were sustained for one year.
"Given its simplicity, safety, and ease with which one can maintain long-term adherence, baduanjin can be implemented as an effective, accessible, and scalable lifestyle intervention for individuals trying to reduce their blood pressure," said Jing Li, Director, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases in Beijing, China.
Baduanjin is a standardized eight-movement sequence that integrates aerobic, isometric, flexibility, and mind-body components.
It has been in practice for centuries and commonly performed in community settings across China. The routine typically takes 10–15 minutes and requires no equipment and only minimal initial instruction.
Because it is low- to moderate-intensity, it is considered safe and accessible for many adults.
Also read: Cardiovascular Diseases Lead As India’s Top Killer: US Cardiologist Points Out Risk Factors
A team of Chinese researchers led the first large, multicenter randomized trial to look at the impact of baduanjin on blood pressure.
They followed 216 participants, aged 40 years or older, across seven communities to determine changes in 24-hour systolic BP from baseline to 12 and 52 weeks.
Compared to people indulging in self-directed exercise, practicing baduanjin five days a week reduced
Notably, the benefits were sustained even without ongoing monitoring, a key challenge for many lifestyle interventions that struggle to maintain long-term adherence outside structured programs.
"Baduanjin has been practiced in China for over 800 years, and this study demonstrates how ancient, accessible, low-cost
approaches can be validated through high-quality randomized research," said Harlan M. Krumholz, Editor-in-Chief of JACC and the Harold H. Hines, Jr Professor at the Yale School of Medicine.
"The blood pressure effect size is similar to that seen in landmark drug trials, but achieved without medication, cost, or side effects. This makes it highly scalable for community-based prevention, including in resource-limited settings," they added.
Also read: AHA Cholesterol Guidelines 2026: How Indians Can Improve Heart Health
How To Practice Baduanjin
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Back pain is a common problem seen among middle-aged men and women, especially those sitting for prolonged hours. The pain experienced is mainly due to poor posture, lack of physical activity, obesity, and stress.
However, for some, the pain occurs in the mid-back, indicating a far more serious problem. While it may appear like chronic back pain, it may actually signal the risk of spinal tuberculosis, which can creep in silently, according to doctors.
If left untreated, the dangerous infectious disease can lead to paralysis and spinal deformity.
“If your back pain persists for months, it is localized, or if it worsens with cough/breathing, don’t ignore it; seek expert evaluation,” said Dr. Sudhir Kumar, a neurologist from Apollo Hospitals Hyderabad, in a post on social media platform X.
Dr. Kumar also shared the case of a 55-year-old man suffering from back pain for four months.
The man’s blood tests, nerve conduction studies, and MRI (neck and lower back) appeared normal. Yet his pain did not go away. He found no relief with painkillers, muscle relaxants, and rest.
Notably, his pain increased while coughing and taking deep breaths.
“That is not a random symptom. Pain that increases with coughing is suggestive of spinal nerve root irritation or compression. This immediately shifts thinking from “muscle pain” to spine pathology,” said Dr. Kumar. The expert advised an MRI of the dorsal (thoracic) spine, which suggested spinal TB.
The “MRI dorsal spine showed involvement of D8–D9 vertebrae, disc edema and paravertebral collection. These findings were suggestive of Spinal Tuberculosis,” said the neurologist, popularly known as the Hyderabad doctor.
Unlike lung TB, where prolonged fever or coughs are a key risk factor, Dr. Kumar just had persistent back pain and no fever, weight loss, or any such “typical TB symptoms”.
“This is why Spinal Tuberculosis is dangerous. It can be silent and slow, and the diagnosis can be easily missed, until it causes paralysis and spinal deformity,” Dr. Kumar said.
Tuberculosis of the spine is also known as Pott’s disease, and is named after Sir Percival Pott, who described it in 1779.
Also called tuberculous spondylitis, it is a severe form of skeletal tuberculosis where the Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria infect the vertebrae — typically spreading from the lungs to the spine via the blood.
Unlike routine back pain, pain due to spinal TB is persistent, progressive, and does not respond to usual rest or medication.
Early identification is crucial to prevent complications such as spinal deformity or neurological damage, Dr. Manisha Mendiratta, Director & Head – Pulmonology, at Sarvodaya Hospital, Faridabad, told HealthandMe.
The common symptoms to watch out for include:
Early evaluation is key. If symptoms persist, a detailed clinical assessment should be done. Doctors may recommend:
Dr. Mendiratta urged the need for ensuring early diagnosis and complete treatment of any TB infection. Further, maintaining good immunity through balanced nutrition and rest, as well as avoiding ignoring persistent or unusual back pain, is crucial to preventing spinal TB.
The doctor also stressed the need for regular follow-ups in people with a history of TB exposure, and to never stop TB treatment midway.
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