女性寿命Both men and women are living longer these days in industrialized countries
In general, they can expect to live six or seven years more than men
One reason for this is biological
One important biological factor that helps women live longer is the difference in hormones between men and women
Between the ages of about 12 and 50, women produce hormones that are involved in fertility( 生育能力 )
These hormones also have a positive effect on the heart and blood flow
In fact, women are less likely to have high blood pressure or to die from heart attacks
They help the body defend itself against some kinds of infections
This means that women generally get sick less often and less seriously than men
The common cold is a good example: women, on average, get fewer colds than men