American women on average outlive American men by over five years. Some reasons why: Men tend to smoke and drink more than women and generally have less healthy lifestyles.  Men do not seek medical help as often as women.  Men tend to join in fearless, risky, and dangerous behaviors more than women.  Men also largely define themselves by their work, which adds to their stress, disconnects them from their emotional side, and adds to problems in their relationships.

Sources: Health , United States , 2003 , National Center for Health Statistics and National Women’s Health Information Center , www.4woman.gov.