Table of contents:
- People with high IQ tend to have a lower risk of disease
- What is the relationship between IQ and disease?
A study conducted by the University of Edinburgh, Oxford and University King College London states that smart people usually live longer. This person's intelligence has something to do with a high IQ. Is it true that smart people live longer? Then, what is the reason? Check out the reviews here.
People with high IQ tend to have a lower risk of disease
Actually, the length of a person's life is determined by his lifestyle and diet. However, a study above said, IQ also influenced this trend. This study alone conducted a study on 65,000 participants who were observed from birth to their age 79 years. Meanwhile, the IQ test was carried out when the participants turned 11 years old.
When weighed by factors such as age, sex and socioeconomic status, participants who had a high IQ at age 11 were reported to be less likely to die from chronic diseases, such as heart disease, stroke, respiratory disease and certain cancers. Likewise, the risk of falling accidents, diseases of the digestive tract and dementia.
In general, the researchers noted for each higher IQ the extra points were 15 points. Where this is also associated with a reduced risk of respiratory disease by 28 percent, coronary heart disease by 25 percent and stroke by 24 percent.
This means that those with an IQ of 115 points were 28 percent more likely to avoid the risk of dying from respiratory disease at age 76 than those with an IQ of 100, in the study average.
What is the relationship between IQ and disease?
Unfortunately, researchers haven't been able to explain why smart people live longer in this study. Researchers suspect, those who have intelligence above average tend to be better able to take care of themselves, especially their health. For example, they are reluctant to smoke, are reluctant to drink alcohol, and are more diligent in exercising or prefer a healthy lifestyle.
In addition, people who are really smart also usually have more income so they can get better health facilities.
What's more, researchers say that people with high IQ live longer because their genetic makeup also affects intelligence and longevity. They are also good at making better health choices, getting safer jobs, and having their own happiness. These are all factors that can make them live longer.
Prof. Ian Deary, one of the researchers, stated that the results of this study are useful because you can find out the healthy habits of smart people and are even welcome to imitate them. So, there is also the possibility for other people to have the opportunity to live a long and healthy life.