Gender Equality Linked to Longer Lifespans

Why this is here: The study found that for every 10% improvement in gender equality, men lived an average of 2.9 years longer.

Researchers from The George Institute for Global Health and Imperial College London in Australia published a study showing a link between gender equality and life expectancy. They analyzed data from 156 countries between 2010 and 2021. The study connected a 10% increase in gender equality to an average increase of 3.6 years in women’s life expectancy and 2.9 years for men.

Researchers used the World Economic Forum’s modified global gender gap index. This index measures parity across economic, educational, political, and physical wellness dimensions. They found gender equality in education correlated most strongly with longer lifespans for both genders.

The data varied by region, but the overall conclusion held true across all countries studied. Cat Pinho-Gomes cautioned that deep roots of gender inequality still exist in many places. Further research will explore how specific interventions can improve equality and wellbeing.