What is the average life span of males and females?

The average life span depends on gender and geography, but in general, women tend to live longer than men. In the United States, women live an average of 81 years while men live an average of 76.

Interestingly, the life span of men has increased approximately 4.5 years since 1989 while that of women has only increased about 2.5 years. Diet and stress could be a factor as could the lack of adequate treatment for high blood pressure and cholesterol. Geographic gaps have widened as well. For instance, parts of the south are about a decade behind coastal California. Public health initiatives such as smoking bans and increased exercise have made a big difference.