Abstract

HEIGHT AND LONGEVITY—A CHANGING VIEWPOINT

Thomas T. Samaras*

ABSTRACT

This paper provides an opportunity for medical and nutrition scientists to re-evaluate their emphasis on rapid growth, early maturity and increased height. The following viewpoint provides a summary of hundreds of studies showing shorter height and associated biological parameters correlate with better health and longevity. It also offers evidence of the increasing acceptance of these findings. For example, the Gerontological Society of America and Oxford University Press and Socialsci Journal recently published our findings showing that sexual dimorphism in height is inversely related to male-female life expectancy differences; e.g., males are 7.8% taller and have an 8.4% shorter life expectancy. Biological factors are also identified that provide a physiological basis to explain why smaller body size has inherent benefits in terms of better health and longevity.

Keywords: Longevity, height, body size, cancer, heart disease, nutrition.