What has been the general pattern in life expectancy during the 20th century with respect to men and women?

In the first half of the 20th century women had the advantage. They gained more expectancy than men had. While in the later part of the century men are making better gains than women and this has narrowed down the gap that was once large. In the pattern has been clear in the first half women had more and in the second half the gap in reducing.