[GoneGirl]

Even men who work in physically benign environments die sooner than women. It's got to be the one distinquishing factor: T. Even with a majority of the work force now female, the gap in longevity is still about 5 years.

I think there are some other important contributors to the longevity gap between genders. For instance, women are more likely to attempt suicide, while men are more likely to succeed. Older men (65+) are especially susceptible to killing themselves I think. Another consideration I think is a lot more men suffer from occupational fatalities than women.

So true, Flame. I don't know if there's any truth to it, but I've heard tell that your length of life is programmed into your genes. The best you can do is reach your genetic potential. People shorten their lives by engaging in all kinds of harmful behaviors. Of course, today, with advanced medical technology, we keep people alive when they would otherwise die. I'm fortunate to be rather healthy for someone my age. Sometimes I fear that playing with my endocrine system will muck things up. Then again, having started NBE late in life, I'm probably limiting the effects, good or bad, as compared to someone who's in their 20s.

Clara (feeling hopeful that I'm doing the right thing)