Today, it the average life expectancy of a woman is expected to reach is about 83 years of age.
![](https://i0.wp.com/alookthrutime.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/woman-in-dark.jpeg?resize=300%2C200)
However, before the 20th Century this life expectancy was much lower.
Often in researching your family history, you may discover a man who outlived two, three or even four wives. Often he would remarry and have more children with his new wife, leading to a number of children and descendants.
So, why did women die so young?
- Many women died in childbirth
- Disease
- Poor living conditions
What reasons have you found for a short life expectancy before the 20th Century in women?