Why short men are more likely to live longer

Scientists claim that short men are likely to live longer as they are more likely to carry gene that protects them from the effects of ageing.

16:25 13 May 2014

Scientists have conducted a study that explored the link between long life and the apparent “longevity gene” for the first time in humans. 

 

They found that short men are likely to live longer compared to their taller counterparts as they are more likely to carry gene that protects them from the effects of ageing. 

 

The study, which was participated in by more than 8,000 aging American-Japanese men in Hawaii, conclusively showed a direct connection between short height and long life. 

 

Co-author and University of Hawaii professor Bradley Willcox said: “This study shows, for the first time, that body size is linked to this gene.” 

 

Willcox added: “The folks that were 5-2 and shorter lived the longest. The range was seen all the way across from being 5-foot tall to 6-foot tall. The taller you got, the shorter you lived.”

 

The Hawaii study started in 1965 with 8,006 participants who are American men of Japanese ancestry. Born between the years 1900 and 1919, their health conditions and lifestyles were closely followed through the years. Around 1,200 men from the study lived into their 90s and 100s. Right now, there are only 250 of them alive.