Why do women tend to live longer than men? Why is this gender gap narrowing?

Women tend to live longer than men for a variety of reasons,especially gender roles and lifestyles.Compared with men,for example,women are more likely to seek medical attention,especially during their childbearing and postmenaupausal years,and to work fewer years in stressful jobs.Men's more risky unhealthy behaviors are a major reason they die younger.Their higher rates of cigarette smoking,heavy drinking,gun use,employment in hazardous occupations,and risk taking in recreation and driving are responsible for many males' higher death rates due to lung cancer,accidents,suicide,and homicide.Men have historically had higher mortality rates,but the gender gap has narrowed during the last few decades.This change reflects women's increased smoking,use of alcohol and other drugs,and stresses related to multiple roles such as employment and caring for children and older family members