Shorter Men Live Longer Than Taller Men: Longevity Gene Linked to Height

Are you shorter? Then you may live longer--at least that's the case if you're a man. Scientists have discovered that short height and long life have a direct connection in Japanese men.

The researchers examined 8,006 American men of Japanese ancestry born between the years 1900 and 1919. The scientists then assessed the lifestyles and health conditions of these men. The scientists then assessed the data collected.

"We split people into two groups-those that were 5-foot-2 and shorter, and 5-4 and taller," said Bradley Willcox, one of the researchers, in a news release. "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."

Intrigued by this finding, the researchers took a closer look at genetics. They found that shorter men were more likely to have a protective form of the longevity gene, called FOXO3. This gene led to smaller body size during early development and a longer life span.

"This study shows for the first time that body size is linked to this gene," said Willcox in a news release. "We knew that in animal models of aging. We did not know that in humans. We have the same or slightly different version in mice, roundworms, flies, even yeast has a version of this gene, and it's important in longevity across all these species."

The findings may help further research for longevity studies. More specifically, the new research shows how genetics play such a large role in terms of lifespan.

The findings are published in the journal PLOS One.