Your diet, exercise habits and genetics are common factors that impact your health. For most seniors, you may not think much about your height playing into these scenarios. However, researchers are discovering that height effects health in a variety of different ways. Learn what you should look out for as the golden years continue.
Living Longer
Many experiments have been performed for various reasons when it comes to height and longevity. Short rats, for example, tend to live longer than tall rats. Although humans are certainly different from rats, our species mimics the same longevity factor. Shorter people typically live longer than taller people, but researchers don't have a clear reason to explain this relationship. For the most part, short people have had the advantage for hundreds of years. Primitive people with short statures became the elders of a society when taller associates died off at younger ages.
Slow Reaction Times
Height effects health in tall people with slower reaction times than their shorter counterparts. Injuries and accidents often plague tall people, which is often excused by saying the person is clumsy. There seems to be a scientific reason behind these poor reaction times, however. Tall people require longer nerve-signal times between the brain and limbs. Because of long arms and legs, the signals take extra time to move around the body so the person may have more mishaps as a result. If you're a tall person, taking your time with most movements is beneficial to your health.
Organ-Transplant Considerations
If you have an average or slightly taller stature, your chances of receiving an organ transplant are much higher than shorter people. Organs come in various sizes, depending on the donor's size. The majority of organs come from average-size people. Shorter people cannot use these large tissues so they're forced to wait. As you enter your golden years, organ transplants are more of a concern because of declining health or certain ailments. Placing your name on the waiting list is just the start. Your height effects health in a critical way during these situations.
Cancer Chances
Cancer has been linked to genetics, environment and lifestyle choices. It was rarely connected to height until recently. Researchers have seen links between tall people and cancer because of basic math. Tall people have more tissue to support the stature, from long bones to extra muscle mass. Because of the extra tissue, there are higher chances for cancer mutations. Be aware that other factors, including lifestyle, must also play a role. You can't change your height, but you can avoid cancer by leading a healthy lifestyle and visiting the doctor on a regular basis.
Mental Decline
Alzheimer's Disease is an ailment that preys on your mind. Forgetfulness and outright memory loss are part of this diagnosis. Researchers have found, however, that taller people tend to resist Alzheimer's Disease more so than their shorter counterparts. Shorter people are more likely to suffer from this disease, especially if there's a family history involved. Researchers are still trying to determine the link between memory and height so that some answers can be found for ailing patients.
It's important to remember that many factors contribute to your overall health. Control the things in life that are within your reach, such as grabbing fruit for a snack or taking a brisk walk. With a healthy lifestyle, you ward off certain ailments that might otherwise plague your golden years.