n a new report, the World Health Organization found in almost all parts of the world, women live longer than men.
Globally, the life expectancy of women over the age of 50 has increased.
While those in Japan live the longest, women in most countries now live longer than they did 40 years ago.
Thanks to biological advantages and also environmental and behavioral factors, older women are outnumbering older men.
As the WHO points out, in 2011 women comprised 53 percent of adults aged 50 years or older and 59 percent of adults aged 70 and above.
Their share of the globe’s population is also projected to increase from 12 percent in 2011 to 19 percent in 2050.
Despite the positive news, the WHO notes poor and middle-income countries could easily make greater gains in female life expectancy by targeting the health issues that affect women the most.
For women over the age of 50, Dr. John R. Beard, director of the W.H.O.’s department of aging, said heart disease, stroke and cancer are the biggest killer.
Beard recommends countries focus on lowering blood pressure with inexpensive drugs and screening for cervical and breast cancer, since these diseases can be prevented or treated.
Along with monitoring for these diseases, Beard also said it is critical women avoid smoking, excessive drinking and being obese.
Women in Mexico should especially take note of this advice, as the country’s growing prosperity has led to more lung cancer and obesity-related diabetes.
