Why short people live longer than tall people

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After reading this article, all the short jokes need to stop because short people officially have the upper hand, even if they’re closer to the ground.

When it comes to height, tall folks may have the advantage in basketball, reaching high shelves, and impressing people at first glance.

But tables have turned, and the short ones among us might just get the last laugh because science says short people tend to live longer.

That impressive height of yours, which is often your greatest selling point and source of admiration, might actually be the very thing that shortens your time on earth, according to scientific research.

Enough talk, let’s dive into it.

5 reasons why short people live longer than tall people

1. Smaller Body, Less Wear and Tear

Think of your body as a car. The bigger the engine, the more fuel it burns and the more strain it puts on itself over time. Similarly, tall people have more cells, which means more potential for things to go wrong. Every cell in your body divides, works, and eventually breaks down. Having more cells can mean:

A higher chance of mutations (which can lead to diseases like cancer).
A greater workload on the heart, kidneys, and joints.
Increased production of free radicals that damage cells and speed up ageing.

Short people, with their compact frames, naturally have fewer cells and less, well, wear and tear.

2. Lower risk of certain cancers

Several studies have found a correlation between height and increased cancer risk. Taller people are more susceptible to cancers such as breast, colon, and melanoma. This is because more cells = more chances for DNA to misbehave. It’s not a guarantee, but statistically, shorter people face fewer cells, and in this case, that’s a good thing.

3. Longevity genes

Scientists have identified a gene called FOXO3 that’s linked to a longer lifespan, and guess what? It’s more active in smaller bodies. A study on Japanese-American men showed that shorter individuals carrying the FOXO3 gene lived significantly longer than their taller peers. The gene is believed to influence insulin sensitivity, reduce inflammation, and protect against age-related diseases.

4. Energy efficiency

Shorter bodies use energy more efficiently, meaning it takes less fuel to power a smaller engine, and this translates to:

Less oxidative stress
Slower metabolism (which can be good for ageing)
Less strain on vital organs

If tall people are SUVs, short people are hybrid cars – lean, efficient, and built for the long haul.

5. Evolutionary eidence

In many long-living communities, like Okinawa (Japan), Sardinia (Italy), and certain Mediterranean regions, the average height is on the shorter side. They are known for exceptional longevity, suggesting that height might be more than just a genetic trait; it could be a longevity clue.

While you can’t choose your height, science suggests that being shorter might come with the quiet benefit of living longer. So the next time someone makes a short joke, just keep in mind that at least you have long life, not quite sure about the prosperity part.