Why Women Live Longer - Coleen T. Murphy | Maiden Mother Matriarch 79
May 19, 2024
auto_awesome
Coleen T. Murphy, a Professor of Molecular Biology at Princeton, discusses the science of longevity, exploring why women live longer, the genetic advantages women have in aging, and the correlation between reproductive span and lifespan in various organisms. She also delves into the impact of the germline on longevity pathways and the importance of muscle health for longevity.
Women live longer due to X chromosome silencing advantages.
Historical lifespan improvements linked to medical advancements and decreased infant mortality.
Deep dives
Differences in Lifespan Between Men and Women
Women generally live longer than men worldwide, with female life expectancy being longer. Centenarians are predominantly women, highlighting a biological aspect. Factors such as lifestyle, military conflicts, and alcohol abuse can influence life expectancy gaps. Women tend to face different age-related diseases, like Alzheimer's, possibly linked to unique biological aspects like X chromosome silencing.
Impact of Chromosome Silencing on Longevity
The silencing of the X chromosome with age can affect animal lifespan and cognitive function. Understanding the biology behind this process is crucial for potential interventions. Women may benefit from less X chromosome silencing as they age, offering genetic advantages. Research aims to distinguish advantageous versus detrimental effects of altered chromosome silencing.
Historical Trends in Lifespan and Health
Historical improvements in lifespan are attributed to decreased infant mortality and advancements in medical treatments like vaccines. Heart disease treatment has notably contributed to increased longevity. However, challenges remain in extending health span, especially in addressing lifestyle-related diseases like obesity and frailty in the elderly.
Interplay of Reproduction and Lifespan
The "Grandmother Hypothesis" suggests that women's long post-reproductive lifespan may be evolutionary advantageous for aiding grandprogeny. The size of progeny relative to the mother influences post-reproductive lifespan across different species. Fertility decline and menopause are distinct processes, with effects on aging being a growing area of research. Studies indicate that late fertility could be linked to future longevity as a biomarker of overall health.
My guest today is Coleen T. Murphy, Professor of Molecular Biology at Princeton, and also the director of Princeton's Laboratory for Aging Research. Her new book is titled 'How We Age: The Science of Longevity.' We spoke about why women live longer than men, what centenarians seem to have in common with one another, why eunuchs may live longer than othe…
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode