Life expectancy is a critical indicator of a society’s healthcare, quality of life, and overall well-being. Gender is a social variable that forms the basis of many factors affecting life expectancy. In recent years, the relationship between gender and life expectancy has been the focus of many studies.

Understanding gender-based differences in life expectancy can contribute to understanding gender inequality. It is generally observed that women have a longer life expectancy compared to men. The reasons for this difference are complex; women typically adopt healthier lifestyles, which include habits such as not smoking, balanced nutrition, and regular medical check-ups.

However, life expectancy is not solely based on personal health behaviors. Gender roles can affect life expectancy due to the social and economic differences between men and women. The main aim of this study is to examine the social and economic factors that influence life expectancy by gender and to explain the relationships between these factors, thereby providing a scientific contribution to the issue of gender inequality. For this purpose, Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) was applied using data from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development’s (OECD) “Better Life Index.” The study analyzed the effects of gender on life expectancy through various variables and examined the relationships and impacts among these variables. The research aims to understand the complex relationships between life expectancy and gender.

The results show that the lower homicide rate among women compared to men positively affects life expectancy. However, the lower employment rate among women compared to men leads to lower life satisfaction and shorter life expectancy for women. Additionally, women feeling less safe when walking alone at night is another factor that negatively affects life expectancy.