Yes, that's an interesting and somewhat counterintuitive fact. Research has shown a correlation between height and lifespan, with taller people generally having shorter lifespans. One possible explanation is that taller individuals tend to have more cells, which may increase the risk of mutations and, consequently, diseases like cancer. Additionally, taller bodies require more energy, leading to greater metabolic demands that could contribute to aging.
Do the numbers really add up statistically speaking? That is, the average height difference between women and men is exactly equal to the longevity difference you'd expect from the height difference?
If so, I wonder where the protective effects of estrogen and less risky behavior fit in?
All other factors being equal: Taller person = more cells = more cell divisions = more chances for cell mutation = increased risk of (any) cancer.
(credit/source: Hank Green and possibly SciShow on YouTube)
Makes sense. Danny DeVito is almost 80 and still making great television comedy.
But on a serious note, I'm a 5 foot 2 inch guy myself, only good thing I can say about it, is being almost 50 and not having a ton of back issues. The rest of it, not so fun, but not a tragedy either.
To say Dikembe was an awesome guy is an understatement. It was pretty common to see him around town either at the store or in line at the bank and if you talked to him he was always happy to engage.
Born in 1966, retired in 2009, at age 42. Not that uncommon for centers even at the NBA level, but impressive nonetheless. When I was a child in Former Soviet Union, mimicking his iconic finger gesture was a beloved joke on the court -- for us, 5'5" "centers". :) RIP, Dikembe!
