B1 – Intermediate
People have done marvelous things in order to be able to live longer. But it is still a fact that women have a longer life expectancy that men.
Read the article below and be ready to answer the questions that follow.
Women live longer than men. It’s true in most countries, and has been a known fact since the 18th century. Studies to discover the possible reasons have been done, and there are many possible explanations. Some reasons include work habits, stress, diet, and bad genes. But a new idea suggests something different. Men have shorter life spans because attracting a partner takes a lot of energy, which reduces the number of years a man lives.
Daniel Kruger at the University of Michigan suggests that many animals advertise their suitability to females. For example, some animals butt heads. Other animals have beautiful feathers. Human males compete for money, property, and social status. If a man has money and social status, they show their ability to provide food, clothes, education, and so on for a future family.
But what about men with less money or power?
Another study explained that young, single men often take risks. They are also more aggressive and hold back their emotions. These actions have the same effect as money and social status.
Both studies conclude that women carefully select a partner, because of the survival and success of their children. All of the energy which is used to impress women means shorter life spans for men.
Source: headsupenglish.com
Vocabulary Questions:
- What does “suitability” mean? “Daniel Kruger at the University of Michigan suggests that many animals advertise their suitability to females.” Use this word in a sentence.
- What does “hold back” mean? “They are also more aggressive and hold back their emotions.” Use this phrase in a sentence.
- What does “take a lot of something” mean? “Men have shorter life spans because attracting a partner takes a lot of energy, which reduces the number of years a man lives.” Use this expression in a sentence.
Discussion Questions:
- Do you agree with the article’s findings? Why/not?
- Were you surprised by the article’s findings? Why/not?
- The lifespan of women has been decreasing recently. Why do you think so?
- Is it possible to limit the risks young men take? Why do / don’t you think so?
- Why do you think young men take so many risks?
32 replies on “The Shorter Lives of Men Explained”
1. Do you agree with the article’s findings? Why/not?
– I don’t agree with the findings. I think that life expectancy has more to do with biological and physiological things, like woman’s period or genes. From my point of view, women are also put under a lot of pressure and judgment to be better than men, and this does not impact in our live expectancy compared to men.
2. Were you surprised by the article’s findings? Why/not?
– No, I don’t think there is enough evidence or validity in the findings.
3. The lifespan of women has been decreasing recently. Why do you think so?
– There are a lot of things that could have reduced life expectancy, such as bad habits, unhealthy diets, etc. Society dependent factors that are increasing as the years pass by. However, I think it is reducing for everyone, not only for women, as almost everyone is exposed to this changing society factors.
4. Is it possible to limit the risks young men take? Why do / don’t you think so?
– It would be possible if we lived in a controlled environment, which would not be good for our development. Young people want to learn new things and experience life, and this helps to develop mentally and create a personality. If we take away this liberty to discover new things, we would have young people without aim or purpose, and I don’t like to think in a world like that.
5. Why do you think young men take so many risks?
As I said, young people are hungry for learning and discover new things. I don’t think there is very much difference between men and women in this aspect, it depends a lot about the person, and a woman can be more wild than a men sometimes, and other times be the other way around. The kind of society we live in it’s also a big point to consider when talking about risks for young people. For example, if there weren’t drugs on the street, people wouldn’t convert into a drug addict so easily.
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1. Do you agree with the article’s findings? Why/not?
I don’t agree with this. I think that it is an article with information from the past, inspired from the 18th century. Since that time, life has changed considerably. Not only in the life style, also in the thinking.
Is true that there are cultures that keep this thinking, but in my culture I want to think that this is part of the past.
I agree that currently fact as work habits, stress, diet, and bad genes are facts that short our life, but this style life not only affect to the mans also to the women.
May be that until now the Human male compete for money, property, and social status; but the rason I think that is different respect to the past. because the life changed and now is mandatory that women and male work, one only salary isn’t sufficient for maintain to the family. The cost of life is very expensive. Inclusive, and if you are single person also is difficult, because the life is spensive, and you need many recourse for be independent.
2. Were you surprised by the article’s findings? Why/not?
No, it ins’t, but I don’t give any credit; i think that it’s not certain and a simplistic attempt to explain it.
3. The lifespan of women has been decreasing recently. Why do you think so?
Diet unhealthy, life style, stress, for other side we have not time for practice sport, always we are running but with a high strees, the life is so fast and we don’t enjoy really.
4. Is it possible to limit the risks young men take? Why do / don’t you think so?
When you are young the risks is part of the ourself, is part of the younger… when past the years, you start to change your life style, you have more care with your decisions. problably, you think more your decisions, and measure your actions.
But when you are young is probably that the adrenaline is for on our decisions and we don´t think in the consequences may be because we have more posibilities that to committe mistakes and that fortunately don´t affect to other people.
5. Why do you think young men take so many risks?
First, I think that in the life is very important take risks, always that your decisions don´t affect to other people. But if you believe that it risk can be important for you future, and may be it make change positives in your life, I say let’s go, do it!
Finally, In the case the young men, I wan´t to put to all world male in the same position; but I think that they aren’t so risky. I think that woman are more risky and independent. They are more able of search the life and risks more than the young men.
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1. Do you agree with the article’s findings? Why/not?
I would like to know which date is the study about in order to confirm my disagree or not with the article’s findings. Regarding the first study, I think that there are other factor that may influence in the shorter life for men: the type of work they perform or forced labor (e.g. construction work). Regarding the second study, I don’t think that what it affirms can result in a shorter life. Being rich or a success person may be a result of hard work and stress and this I think that can influence in a shorter life.
2. Were you surprised by the article’s findings? Why/not?
Yes, mostly because it does not provide any percentage or statistical value that confirm the results obtained from the studies.
3. The lifespan of women has been decreasing recently. Why do you think so?
I don’t think so. I think the lifespan of humans in general has been increasing thanks to the continued development of therapies for diverse diseases.
4. Is it possible to limit the risks young men take? Why do / don’t you think so?
I think that it is possible since more and more importance is given to the expression of emotions or behavior, especially in the masculine gender.
5. Why do you think young men take so many risks?
Nowadays, I do not consider that men have more risks than women.
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Discussion Questions:
1. Do you agree with the article’s findings? Why/not?
Not at all, why? According to the article this is known fact since 18th… but not before, so this theory doesn’t explain well the causes… Also because there are a lot of differences between countrys and it’s reasonable to thing that is because some have different cultural habits between females and males (p.e. in Rusia men live an average the 10 years less than woman… and it’s easy to explain due to bad habit like alcohol.)
2. Were you surprised by the article’s findings? Why/not?
No, I think it’s a simplistic attempt to explain it, using the sociobiology approach that nowadays I think is wrong because of the cultural complexity of the mankind (p.e.: culture, habits, trend, roles, etc..)
3. The lifespan of women has been decreasing recently. Why do you think so?
No idea, as I said before, there are a lot of factors in the human culture very difficult to analyse…
4. Is it possible to limit the risks young men take? Why do / don’t you think so?
I think education is a key factor for men and women in order to avoid bad habits that, for sure, shorten the life expectancy (p.e. smoke, drink, junk food, sugar, drugs, etc..)
5. Why do you think young men take so many risks?
Generally speaking, young men are more aggressive and violent than woman. But even this could be an educational factor…
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1. I do not agree with this article. I think he is sexist. This could happen in the past. But now a woman does not need a man with more money and social status.
2. I was surprised by the first idea of the article because I think it is old-mind. It’s very strange in this era/years.
3. Yes, the lifespan of women has been decreasing recently. I think due to habits, smoke, stress…I think it is because women are doing the same kind of things as men do.
4. Yes, it is possible improving their education.
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1. Do you agree with the article’s findings? Why/not?
I don’t agree with the article, I think that life expectancy depends on life habits, stress, if you don’t do sport, if you eat healthy, on genes, but not on the effort to find a partner, because in that case it would be the same for women.
2. Were you surprised by the article’s findings? Why/not?
I am surprised by this text for assuring that the life of men is shorter because of the effort of looking for a partner, it seems to be a totally invented text.
3. The lifespan of women has been decreasing recently. Why do you think so?
It may be because as the article says, women can also have the same work habits, stress, diet and bad genes as men. This affects regardless of sex.
4. Is it possible to limit the risks young men take? Why do / don’t you think so?
All young people take risks, not only men, I think it is typical of the age since we are not aware of how it will affect us in the future
5. Why do you think young men take so many risks?
If it is based on the article, they do not know that the consequences of taking risks will affect their years of life.
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What is your opinion about meeting potential partners virtually?
I think it isn’t the best way to meet people because it’s easiest to be cheated.
I prefer meet people, for instance, at work or on a blind date organized by friends,
Would you ever use an online dating service? Why or why not?
In this moment, I think I will never use t use this service, because in my opinion is more unsafe.
Also, the impression when you meet someone virtually is different when you meet them in person.
Is online dating common in your country? Why or why not?
Really, I don’t know but I suppose that the use of these type of dates are increasing
What are the good things and bad things about online dating?
Some good things are you can meet people from other cities or countries, and If the people say the true about themselves, it could be easiest to find someone with your same interest and hobbies.
Talk about some online dating experiences you’ve had/stories you’ve heard about.
I only have heard one story about a friend who met his wife this way. All my friends and relatives met her partners, for example in parties, at work or introduced by friends
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1. Do you agree with the article’s findings? Why/not?
I don’t agree with the article’s findings, because I think this doesn’t take so many more energy for men than for women, who are always taking more effort than men trying to look better, wearing shoes who pain their bodies and using face creams with lots of chemical sustancies.
2. Were you surprised by the article’s findings? Why/not?
I was surprised by the first idea of the article because I think it is old-minded and not certain.
3. The lifespan of women has been decreasing recently. Why do you think so?
I think it is because women are doing the same kind of things as men do, some of which they were not able to do before, like for example practicing some sports, having a job and stressful lifes or having some unhealthy habits like drinking alcohol or smoking.
4. Is it possible to limit the risks young men take? Why do / don’t you think so?
Yes, it is possible improving their education and convincing them than it is not needed to do so in order to seem “more men” or more attractive to other women
5. Why do you think young men take so many risks?
As I said in my last answer, I think there is a current of thought than men need to show their bravery for attracting women
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1. Do you agree with the article’s findings? Why/not?
I’m not agree with the article above all with the comment about the women are the blames for the shorter life of the men,
because I think when they find a couple many men relax and dont’t care the relationship day by day. Also to find couple is a
short period of time and it can’t influence so much in the life expectancy.
2. Were you surprised by the article’s findings? Why/not?
Of course, although some of these reasons are known already, I’m very surprised with comments about the women.
I wonder if the writters were searhing to attract attention
3. The lifespan of women has been decreasing recently. Why do you think so?
Because the pression has increased in the daily life. They have a lot of worries too as work, house, children, etc.
And they have to care themseleves, do sport, and to be perfects
And if the article is true, how now the women have the rol to find couple too this can decrease their life expectancy.
4. Is it possible to limit the risks young men take? Why do / don’t you think so?
I don’t think so. I think the young men like a easy and comfortable life and without effort.
5. Why do you think young men take so many risks?
Maybe becasuse, they are thoughtless and they think in the present day.
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1. Do you agree with the article’s findings? Why/not?
I personally don’t agree with the article’s findings, because althought it’s well known that in the pass men were the main providers now a days, women are too. Roles have changed a lot for both sexes and I can’t find in the article any information about other type of couples such as: gays and polygamous couples.
2. Were you surprised by the article’s findings? Why/not? Yes, I was. Because it never occurred to me, that finding a mate will jeopardise longevity for anyone.
3. The lifespan of women has been decreasing recently. Why do you think so? According to this article maybe it’s because now they also have to impress partners too.
4. Is it possible to limit the risks young men take? Why do / don’t you think so? If the standars of being attractive to a partner changed, young men wouldn’t need to replicate these actions to be liked. They would have to addapt and create new, healthier ones, I hope. Focused on sharing emotions, responsabilities, and roles.
5. Why do you think young men take so many risks?
Because they suffered a lot of social pressure. they need to do this to be able to fit in
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1. Do you agree with the article’s findings? Why/not?
I disagree with this article. I think they have primitive thoughts.
2. Were you surprised by the article’s findings? Why/not?
I was really surprised by the article’s findings due to the fact they are trying to demonstrate something that hasn’t a scientific support.
3. The lifespan of women has been decreasing recently. Why do you think so?
I think it is because the new style of life, the food, the stress we are all suffering from and so on.
4. Is it possible to limit the risks young men take? Why do / don’t you think so?
Of course, I think it is possible but I strongly believe it depends on the education they are given since they are children. It is very important to have a well-formed personality.
5. Why do you think young men take so many risks?
This fact is due to the society is changing to risky models where you are supposed to be the best one as much as crazy things you do.
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1. Do you agree with the article’s findings? Why/not?
I don’t agree at all with these findings. I find them old-fashioned. Nowadays both men and women are in (moreorless) the same conditions regarding the searching for money or a better position. It’s all closer than a few years ago.
2. Were you surprised by the article’s findings? Why/not?
I’m very surprised for the same reasons than the ones expressed in the previous question. It seems old-fashioned.
3. The lifespan of women has been decreasing recently. Why do you think so?
According to the article’s reasons, it would be like that because women are working exactly like men, so the risks are the same.
4. Is it possible to limit the risks young men take? Why do / don’t you think so?
It’s possible, but hardly achievable. It’s a matter of education, but young people are usually more rebel and emotional than the older people, so it’s hard to avoid this kind of behaviours.
5. Why do you think young men take so many risks?
Because they want to highlight between the others and feel more important or famous. The other reason is that they give less importance to risks.
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1. Do you agree with the article’s findings? Why/not?
I don´t think that primary needs have a big influence in the life decisions for women or for men, may be, a little more pronounced in adolescents but it doesn´t serve for explain the diferences betwen the live´s ages for men and women.
2. Were you surprised by the article’s findings? Why/not?
I think that the article stars with the best explanation, “some reasons include work habits, stress, diet, and bad genes” and after that, headsupenglish.com wants that the people visit the homepage with an impact new.
3. The lifespan of women has been decreasing recently. Why do you think so?
It´s the most evidence, The women are changing their traditional roles, diets and habits and they are feeling the impact.
4. Is it possible to limit the risks young men take? Why do / don’t you think so?
Men and women take risks in the adolescence, it´s an age to exploring news experiences and feelings, to searching our limits. it´s important that they have the informacion, education and ownknowledge for take their own decisions.
5. Why do you think young men take so many risks?
The biology, yes, in this case, may be the most important cause…
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* I have no criteria to know if the study is true or not. I think that among humans it has nothing to do with it, I think that in the animal world it doesn’t happen with some species either. As a general rule in the animal world, females are larger than males and end up eating them. For example, lionesses live longer and they are the ones who hunt and do all the work. It would have to be the other way around.
* Yes, they have surprised me, sometimes ridiculous or unfounded articles come out. Seems like a bit of a weird sample.
* I think it is still greater than that of men. Perhaps it is that men now live a little longer than before. I don’t think the lifestyle we lead is good for anyone, too much stress.
* Young people have to experiment for themselves and that is why they will always take more risk than adults. That has always been the case and I don’t think it will change.
* Because they do not think about the consequences of their actions. They only think about the moment they live and little else. That is adolescence. Nothing can be done.
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1. Do you agree with the article’s findings? Why/not?
No, at all.
I think that there aren’t any connexion between shorter men’s life with the energetic they spend to attract women. I think that maybe it could be in macho animals with female but not in humans.
It could make sense with regards to the stress life that we live, men and women too.
2. Were you surprised by the article’s findings? Why/not?
Yes, a lot. I’ve never thought that men have shorter life spans because attracting a partner a lot of energy, which reduces the number of years a man lives. And also, I was very surprised with the other study that explain that young, single men often take risks. They are also more aggressive and hold back their emotions. And these actions have the same effect as money and social status.
3. The lifespan of women has been decreasing recently. Why do you think so?
I think that it is because women have started to work out at home, with stressing life. They are taking care the family and a lot of them have responsibility in their professional job.
And the stress doesn’t help to have a good health.
4. Is it possible to limit the risks young men take? Why do / don’t you think so?
It could be giving them emotions guide to help in their behaviours.
5. Why do you think young men take so many risks?
It could be because they have altered hormones and they feel very capable.
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1. Do you agree with the article’s findings? Why/not?
No, I’m not agree.
I think it’s a macho view.
It is true that animals use different strategies to obtain favours from females, include the man, it is also true that it is possible that some men use their money and their power to obtain favours from a woman and it is also true that there are women who only value money and the power of man when it comes to maintaining a relationship with him, but I think it is not a reason why men have a lower life expectancy than women.
2. Were you surprised by the article’s findings? Why/not?
I am very surprised with two statements exposed in this article:
– Human males compete for money and social status and spend a lot of energy to get it, which reduces their life expectancy.
– The aggressiveness of single men and the risks they take have the same effect on women as money.
It is possible that some men and women follow this pattern of behaviour, but I think that it is not possible to generalize and even less justify the lower life expectancy of men.
3. The lifespan of women has been decreasing recently. Why do you think so?
I think the changes in their lifestyle, in which they have been actively incorporated into the labor market, carrying out jobs and habits that in the past were reserved mainly for men.
This has led to exposure to diseases that were typically predominant in men, such as lung cancer.
4. Is it possible to limit the risks young men take? Why do / don’t you think so?
No, I think it is a consequence of our animal part and a consequence of nature.
A male animal produces testosterone, a typical male hormone, its levels are higher in young men, this hormone influences the behaviour of men, and influences their aggressiveness, strength, …
5. Why do you think young men take so many risks?
As I explained in the previous answer, I think it is a consequence of his testosterone level and sometimes also a lack of experience in measuring risk.
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