Shorter people tend to live longer on average than taller people, with studies showing they may live about 2 to 7 years longer depending on the population studied. For example, men shorter than about 5 feet 8 inches have been found to live nearly 5 years longer than taller men, and those under 5 feet 7 inches may live over 7 years longer than men over 6 feet tall
. Several theories explain why shorter people might have greater longevity:
- Lower caloric needs: Shorter individuals have smaller bodies and organs, requiring fewer calories, which may reduce metabolic stress and mimic the effects of caloric restriction known to extend lifespan
- Fewer cells: Having fewer cells means less chance for cell mutations and damage, lowering risks of cancer and other age-related diseases
- Lower growth hormone (IGF-1) levels: Shorter people tend to have reduced levels of growth hormone linked to lower cancer risk and slower aging
- Lower cortisol (stress hormone) levels: This may reduce risks of heart disease and hypertension, contributing to longer life
- Genetic factors: Some genes associated with longevity, like FOXO3, appear more common in shorter individuals
While shorter stature is generally correlated with longer life expectancy, this is a statistical trend and not an absolute rule—tall people can also live long lives, and many factors such as lifestyle, nutrition, and genetics play crucial roles
. In summary, on average, shorter people live several years longer than taller people, possibly due to metabolic, cellular, hormonal, and genetic advantages
