Attractiveness affects life expectancy: American scientists have published the results of a study
American researchers from the University of Arizona and the University of Texas concluded that a person’s appearance affects his life expectancy. In their study, the results of which have just been published in the journal Social Science and Medicine, it was found that people with a more attractive appearance tend to live longer.
Scientists analyzed data collected over 65 years as part of a study that included more than 8,300 participants. The appearance of the participants was assessed by independent experts based on their photographs. These data were then compared with mortality rates.
The results of the study revealed an interesting pattern: men who were considered less attractive by experts lived an average of one year less than those who were considered handsome. For women, the difference in life expectancy was even more significant: those who were perceived as beautiful lived an average of two years longer than less attractive women.
What’s more, the study found that less attractive people were 16.8% more likely to die. Despite these results, the researchers noted that the relationship between attractiveness and longevity is not yet fully understood. However, they expressed confidence that external beauty is often related to a person’s lifestyle.
Healthy food, physical exercises and giving up bad habits have a positive effect not only on appearance, but also on life expectancy. Sociologist Connor Sheehan of Arizona State University added that attractiveness may also have a genetic component. He also noted that, according to statistics, beautiful people often have certain advantages – for example, better conditions at work, higher income and better treatment from others.
By the way, another expert previously identified nine common traits of long-lived people. Some longevity factors are genetic in nature and beyond our control, while others we can influence.
In addition, one of the women who lived for more than 110 years shared her secrets of longevity. She survived many trials – the Spanish flu, internment during the Second World War and the loss of relatives, but she always remained beautiful, optimistic and kept a positive attitude.
