Longevity

Height & Longevity: Do Short People Live Longer than Tall People?

how long do short people live

Do short people live longer? How long do tall people live? Longevity is a common question in the world of height, and it can help you make decisions about your own life. Taller people are generally expected to live longer than shorter people because they have more red blood cells in their bodies. That’s because they have longer limbs which means there is more surface area for blood flow.

A study conducted in 2012 on how long does short people live found that, on average, short people live five years less than tall people. The study explored how long tall people live and found that height is strongly correlated with longevity; taller people are more likely to live longer lives. What’s the correlation? Taller individuals have a lower mortality rate and higher life expectancy than shorter individuals do.

This post will discuss how longevity may vary depending on height and how you can increase your chances of living a long time. Read on.

How Longevity May Vary Depending on Height

Do short people live longer? Or do taller people live longer?

Science says that tall people live longer than those who are short. The average height in the United States is over five feet, nine inches for men, and around five feet, four inches for women.

tall and short people - how long do short people live; how long do tall people live
Tall and Short Person

In general, taller people have lower mortality rates and higher life expectancy throughout their lives compared to shorter individuals.

Factors Influencing Longevity

Several factors affect how long an individual is expected to live. They include:

1. Genetics

The height of one’s parents and grandparents plays a role in how long an individual will live. The taller your parents are, the more likely you will live a longer life.

dna
DNA

Some studies suggest that 80 percent of one’s height is dependent on genetics and inherited traits from their parent. Taller individuals may have an increased chance of living longer due to having fewer chances for genetic mutations.

2. Lifestyle

Your lifestyle choices can affect how long you live. If your weight is high, it may increase the risk of heart disease and diabetes- costly health conditions that will decrease one’s life expectancy.

lifestyle
Healthy and Happy Lifestyle

Obesity has a higher chance for cancer, another condition that reduces longevity. 

3. Environment

Environmental factors can play a role in how long you live. For example, suppose an individual lives in a polluted area or is exposed to harmful chemicals on the job daily.

pollution
Pollution

In that case, they may have higher chances of developing lung disease, which shortens one’s life expectancy. The risk increases exponentially when paired with smoking habits and other unhealthy lifestyle choices.

4. Health Conditions

If you have a health condition such as heart disease, diabetes, or hypertension that is not regularly treated and monitored by your doctor, it may shorten the number of years you live.

health conditions
Health Conditions

These conditions can cause high blood pressure, which increases the risk of stroke and other cardiovascular diseases. Also, some forms of cancer may shorten your life.

5. Limiting the Amount of Alcohol You Drink

If consumed in excess, alcoholic beverages can harm a person’s health. Consuming more than fourteen servings of alcohol per week increases the chances of developing heart disease and liver problems, reducing life expectancy.

say no to alcohol
Limit the Amount of Alcohol Intake

If drinking is something that you enjoy doing socially, it may be beneficial to limit the amount you drink.

How to Improve Chances of Living a Longer Life

1. Maintaining a Healthy Weight

Being overweight or underweight can have serious consequences for your health. Being overweight can lead to heart disease, diabetes, and other chronic conditions, reducing one’s life expectancy.

maintaining a healthy weight
Maintain a Healthy Weight

Avoiding obesity increases the chances of living an overall healthier life and increasing the likelihood of living longer.

2. Incorporating Physical Activity into Your Daily Routine

Maintaining a healthy weight and exercising regularly helps improve cardiovascular health and increases the chances that you will live longer. 

incorporating physical activity in your daily routine
Incorporate Physical Activity in Your Daily Routine

It is important to exercise for at least 30 minutes every day to maintain good heart health, essential for longer life. Incorporating physical activity into your daily routine not only helps maintain good heart health but also increases your chances of living longer.

3. Maintaining a Healthy Diet

Eating nutritious foods not only helps maintain good heart health but can also increase your chances of living longer.

balanced and healthy diet
Maintain a Balanced and Healthy Diet

Processed and fried foods are high in fat, sugar, or sodium, leading to obesity and chronic conditions such as diabetes. The nutrients are in fresh vegetables, fruits.

Helpful Product for Longevity

Below are some of the steps you can take to increase the chances of living a longer life and slower the process of aging:

1. Fitness Tracker

A fitness tracker is a fantastic tool for keeping track of your daily activity and exercise.

fitness tracker
Fitness Tracker

It can help you monitor how much time you spend exercising, burning calories, or engaging in any other activities that improve heart health while helping increase the chances of living longer. 

2. Exercise Ball

An exercise ball is a great way to incorporate physical activity into your daily routine.

exercise ball
Exercise Ball

It can strengthen core muscles, improve balance and stability, thus, helping increase the chances that you will live longer. Here is a  video on how it works.

3. Heart Rate Monitor

A heart rate monitor is a great way to track your cardiovascular health.

heart rate monitor
Heart Rate Monitor

It tracks how many calories you burn, the beats per minute of your pulse, and can even help measure your resting heart rate. This helps keep an eye on overall heart health while increasing your lifespan. 

4. Yoga Mat

A yoga mat is an ideal way to incorporate exercise into your daily routine.

yoga mat
Yoga Mat

It provides the needed cushioning that you need for exercising.

5. Running Shoes

A great pair of running shoes is a must-have for anyone who wants to incorporate exercise into their daily routine.

running shoes
Running Shoes

The shoe is specially designed with the runner’s needs in mind and helps increase your chances of living longer.

Bottom Line

So, how long do short people live;  how long do tall people live? Many factors play a role in one’s chances of living longer, including genetics, weight, and lifestyle choices.

Going for regular doctor checkups can detect problems early. Getting involved with the right community programs or support groups may also be beneficial.

Incorporating physical activity into your daily routine maintains good heart health and increases the chances of living longer.

Feel free to comment if you have any questions or concerns.  

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