Are there more male or female centenarians? A Look at the Gender Longevity Gap

Statistically, there are significantly more female centenarians than male centenarians across the globe, a demographic trend that has persisted for decades. This disparity in survival to 100 or more years prompts a deeper investigation into the question: are there more male or female centenarians and what are the underlying reasons for this phenomenon.

Quick Summary

Women consistently outnumber men among centenarians globally, a trend linked to a complex mix of biological, behavioral, and social factors. While this gender longevity gap is expected to persist, recent data indicates the male centenarian population is growing at a faster rate.

Key Points

• Centenarian Demographics: Women significantly outnumber men among centenarians, making up roughly 80% of the population aged 100 or older.

• Biological Advantages: Differences in genetics (XX chromosomes vs XY) and hormones (estrogen vs. testosterone) give women a biological edge for longevity.

• Behavioral Differences: Men tend to engage in more risky behaviors and are less likely to seek regular medical care, contributing to a shorter average lifespan.

• Male Centenarian Paradox: The smaller percentage of men who reach 100 are often healthier and more functional than their female counterparts, suggesting a higher bar for survival.

• Shared Challenges: Both male and female centenarians face significant challenges related to functional decline, psychological stress from loss, and social isolation.

• Closing the Gap: The gender longevity gap is projected to narrow slightly over time as the male centenarian population experiences faster growth.

The Overwhelming Majority of Female Centenarians

For decades, demographic studies worldwide have revealed that reaching the age of 100 is far more common for women than for men. The U.S. Census Bureau, for instance, reported that in 2020, nearly 79% of the centenarian population was female. The disparity becomes even more pronounced among supercentenarians, those living to 110 or older, with some estimates suggesting that more than 90% are women. While women overwhelmingly dominate this age group, recent census data does show a notable trend: the male centenarian population is increasing at a faster rate than the female population, potentially narrowing the longevity gap in the coming decades.

The Biological and Genetic Edge

Several biological factors are believed to contribute to women's greater longevity. These include both genetic and hormonal differences.

• Genetic Factors: Women have two X chromosomes ($$XX$$), while men have one X and one Y chromosome ($$XY$$). This genetic makeup may provide women with a protective advantage, as the second X chromosome can act as a backup if a defect or mutation occurs on the first, mitigating the effects of certain diseases.

• Hormonal Differences: Hormones play a significant role. Estrogen, more prevalent in women, has protective effects on the cardiovascular system and can reduce inflammation. In contrast, testosterone, the primary male sex hormone, has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease and may suppress the immune system over a lifetime. This concept, known as antagonistic pleiotropy, suggests that a trait beneficial in early life can become detrimental later on.

• Immune System: Research also indicates differences in immune function, with women's immune systems generally mounting a more robust response against infections. While this may lead to a higher incidence of autoimmune disorders in women, it offers a distinct advantage in resisting infectious diseases and surviving to older ages.

Lifestyle and Behavioral Divergence

Beyond biology, societal and behavioral patterns play a crucial role in shaping lifespan differences. For many years, men have been more likely to engage in behaviors associated with shorter lifespans.

• Higher Risk Behaviors: Historically, men have higher rates of smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and other risk-taking behaviors that contribute to chronic diseases and injuries.

• Occupational Hazards: Men have traditionally been more likely to work in physically demanding and hazardous occupations, leading to higher rates of injury and fatal accidents.

• Health-Seeking Behaviors: Women are more proactive about their health, seeking preventative care and attending regular check-ups more frequently than men. This behavior facilitates earlier diagnosis and treatment of potential health issues.

The Male Centenarian Paradox

While fewer men reach 100, those who do are often in better health than their female counterparts. This is sometimes called the "male centenarian paradox." It suggests that a stricter form of natural selection is at play, where men must possess a stronger genetic predisposition for longevity and healthier lifestyles to survive to such an advanced age. In contrast, women, with their built-in biological advantages, may be more likely to endure disease and reach 100 despite having more chronic health conditions.

A Comparison of Male vs. Female Centenarian Profiles

Feature	Female Centenarian	Male Centenarian
Prevalence	Significantly higher (approx. 78–85%)	Significantly lower (approx. 15–22%)
Genetic Profile	Two X chromosomes, potential "backup"	Single X and Y chromosome, higher genetic vulnerability
Hormonal Profile	Protective estrogen levels, lower cardiovascular risk	Testosterone may increase cardiovascular risk over time
Health Status	May experience more years of disability (frailty)	Generally healthier and more functional at age 100+
Behavioral Risks	Lower rates of smoking, heavy alcohol use	Higher rates of risky behaviors and occupational hazards
Social Networks	Often stronger, more extensive social networks	May have less extensive social support systems

Navigating the Challenges of Extreme Longevity

For both male and female centenarians, the journey to and through 100 is not without its difficulties. The Fordham Centenarian Study highlighted several key challenges, emphasizing that these are often multidimensional.

• Functional Challenges: Physical limitations related to mobility, hearing, and vision are common, impacting independence and daily activities. Preventive efforts and enhanced diagnostics are crucial for management.

• Psychological Challenges: Coping with loss is a major aspect of living to an extreme age. Centenarians often outlive spouses, friends, and even children, leading to feelings of loneliness and grief.

• Social Isolation: Being the "last one alive" presents a unique social challenge. Maintaining social connections and finding meaning are vital for well-being.

Future Trends and Research

Research continues to explore the factors contributing to the gender longevity gap, including lifestyle, genetics, and epigenetics, the study of how behaviors and environment can cause changes that affect the way genes work. As health systems improve and societal norms evolve, the gap in life expectancy and centenarian rates between genders is expected to continue to narrow. However, as the global centenarian population grows, so does the need for research and policies that address the specific health and social needs of both older men and women.

The full report by the Pew Research Center on the projected growth of the centenarian population can be found here.

A Complex Mosaic of Factors

Ultimately, the answer to the question, are there more male or female centenarians, reveals a complex picture. It's not a simple case of one factor, but a combination of biological strengths, behavioral choices, and social circumstances that create the current demographic landscape. While females have traditionally held the advantage, evolving societal factors and healthcare could help more men reach this incredible milestone in the years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there more male or female centenarians globally?

Globally, women far outnumber men in the centenarian population. The female-to-male ratio among people aged 100 or older is consistently skewed toward women across most countries.

What percentage of centenarians are female?

While the exact percentage varies by country and reporting year, most studies show that females constitute 78% to 85% of the centenarian population. This proportion is even higher among supercentenarians (110+).

Why do more women live to be 100 than men?

A combination of biological and behavioral factors explains this gap. Biologically, women benefit from two X chromosomes and protective hormones like estrogen. Behaviorally, men have historically engaged in more high-risk behaviors and have been less proactive in seeking medical care.

Is the longevity gap between male and female centenarians changing?

Yes, some data indicates that the gap is starting to narrow. For example, recent U.S. census data shows that the male centenarian population is growing at a faster rate than the female population, although women are still the vast majority.

Are female centenarians healthier than male centenarians?

Not necessarily. Research suggests that male centenarians, though fewer in number, are often healthier and more functionally robust than their female peers. Women tend to experience more years of morbidity or disability at the end of their lives.

Do male and female centenarians face different challenges?

Both genders face similar challenges such as physical and sensory decline, but men may struggle more with adjusting to the loss of their social network due to differing social patterns throughout life. However, loss and dependency are significant hurdles for both.

What is a supercentenarian?

A supercentenarian is a person who has lived to or past their 110th birthday. The gender disparity observed in centenarians is even more extreme among supercentenarians, where women are an even greater majority.