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Play now 18 mins

Why do women outlive men

Duration:
18 minutes
First broadcast:
Monday 24 December 2012

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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