Having a high IQ may be a sign that a person has greater intelligence, but new research findings suggest that it may also reveal that a person may live a longer life. The researchers analyzed data from nearly 66,000 people born in Scotland. Participants took IQ tests when they were 11 and were followed either until the age of 79 or until they died. The researchers found that those who had higher IQs when they were 11 generally lived longer than their peers with lower IQs.
Specifically, a higher IQ was associated with a 28 percent reduced risk of death from respiratory disease, 25 percent lower risk of heart disease death, and a 24 percent lower risk of death by stroke.
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Although the study found an association between a higher IQ and longevity, it does not prove cause and effect.
Additionally, a higher childhood IQ was associated with lower risk of death from injury, smoking-related cancers, digestive disease, and dementia. There was no association between high childhood IQ and death from cancers not related to smoking.
In an accompanying editorial, Swedish researchers wrote that “childhood IQ is strongly associated with causes of death that are, to a great extent, dependent on already known risk factors.”
On the other hand, the study reveals that there may be something deeper in a person’s genes that not only causes a person’s IQ to be higher, but reduce their risk of death and promote longevity.
Senior study author Ian Deary concluded, “We don’t know yet why intelligence from childhood and longevity are related, and we are keeping an open mind. Lifestyles, education, deprivation and genetics may all play a part.”
Devon Andre has been involved in the health and dietary supplement industry for a number of years. Devon has written extensively for Bel Marra Health. He has a Bachelor of Forensic Science from the University of Windsor, and went on to complete a Juris Doctor from the University of Pittsburgh. Devon is keenly aware of trends and new developments in the area of health and wellness. He embraces an active lifestyle combining diet, exercise and healthy choices. By working to inform readers of the options available to them, he hopes to improve their health and quality of life.
