70 year old Kate might be expected to outlive her 70 year old husband Russ because O estrogen has protective value for heart and circulatory system men are less likely to have infections, but their immunity decreases fasster wtih age men's immunity increases with age, but they are more likely to contract infections the Y chromosome often carries faulty genes

Ciccarelli: Psychology_5 (5th Edition)
5th Edition
ISBN:9780134477961
Author:Saundra K. Ciccarelli, J. Noland White
Publisher:Saundra K. Ciccarelli, J. Noland White
Chapter1: The Science Of Psychology
Section: Chapter Questions
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### Gender Differences in Longevity: Examining Potential Factors

**Question:**
- 70-year-old Kate might be expected to outlive her 70-year-old husband Russ because:

**Options:**
1. **Estrogen has protective value for heart and circulatory system.**
2. **Men are less likely to have infections, but their immunity decreases faster with age.**
3. **Men's immunity increases with age, but they are more likely to contract infections.**
4. **The Y chromosome often carries faulty genes.**

**Explanation:**
Understanding why women generally tend to live longer than men involves exploring multiple biological and environmental factors. Let's delve into the details:

1. **Estrogen's Protective Value:**
   Hormonal differences, particularly the presence of estrogen in females, have been found to provide protective benefits for the heart and circulatory system. Estrogen helps in maintaining cardiovascular health, thus potentially contributing to the longevity of women.

2. **Men’s Immunity and Infections:**
   While men may be less likely to have infections at younger ages, the decrease in immunity with age can be significantly faster in males. This decline in immune function could increase vulnerability to diseases, impacting longevity.

3. **Contrasting Immune Responses:**
   The notion that men's immunity increases with age but is coupled with a higher likelihood of contracting infections is less consistent with current scientific understanding. Typically, immune function in males does not increase with age and actually tends to decline.

4. **Genetic Factors:**
   The Y chromosome, which is unique to males, carries fewer genes compared to the X chromosome. Some of these genes may be faulty or less efficient, which could potentially impact health and longevity.

**Conclusion:**
Considering these points, the protective role of estrogen is a well-recognized factor that contributes to women potentially outliving men. Additionally, the decline in immunity with age and the genetic factors associated with the Y chromosome may also play significant roles. Understanding these differences is key in addressing gender disparities in health and lifespan.
Transcribed Image Text:### Gender Differences in Longevity: Examining Potential Factors **Question:** - 70-year-old Kate might be expected to outlive her 70-year-old husband Russ because: **Options:** 1. **Estrogen has protective value for heart and circulatory system.** 2. **Men are less likely to have infections, but their immunity decreases faster with age.** 3. **Men's immunity increases with age, but they are more likely to contract infections.** 4. **The Y chromosome often carries faulty genes.** **Explanation:** Understanding why women generally tend to live longer than men involves exploring multiple biological and environmental factors. Let's delve into the details: 1. **Estrogen's Protective Value:** Hormonal differences, particularly the presence of estrogen in females, have been found to provide protective benefits for the heart and circulatory system. Estrogen helps in maintaining cardiovascular health, thus potentially contributing to the longevity of women. 2. **Men’s Immunity and Infections:** While men may be less likely to have infections at younger ages, the decrease in immunity with age can be significantly faster in males. This decline in immune function could increase vulnerability to diseases, impacting longevity. 3. **Contrasting Immune Responses:** The notion that men's immunity increases with age but is coupled with a higher likelihood of contracting infections is less consistent with current scientific understanding. Typically, immune function in males does not increase with age and actually tends to decline. 4. **Genetic Factors:** The Y chromosome, which is unique to males, carries fewer genes compared to the X chromosome. Some of these genes may be faulty or less efficient, which could potentially impact health and longevity. **Conclusion:** Considering these points, the protective role of estrogen is a well-recognized factor that contributes to women potentially outliving men. Additionally, the decline in immunity with age and the genetic factors associated with the Y chromosome may also play significant roles. Understanding these differences is key in addressing gender disparities in health and lifespan.
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