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Left-handedness and life expectancy.
1Department of Psychiatry, Dartmouth Medical School, Hanover, NH 03755.
Perceptual and Motor Skills
|June 1, 1989
Summary
Left-handedness is associated with a shorter lifespan, potentially due to links with major causes of death like alcoholism, smoking, and cancer, as well as certain neurological and immune conditions.
Area of Science:
- Health Sciences
- Epidemiology
- Human Biology
Background:
- Recent research by Halpern and Coren suggests a correlation between left-handedness and reduced life expectancy.
- This association is supported by existing literature linking left-handedness to various health risks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the potential reasons behind the observed association between left-handedness and lower life expectancy.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing epidemiological data and scientific literature.
- Analysis of studies linking handedness to mortality factors.
Main Results:
- Left-handedness has been previously associated with increased risks of alcoholism and smoking.
- Links exist between left-handedness and certain neurological disorders (e.g., developmental disorders) and immune system dysfunctions.
- Breast cancer risk has also been investigated in relation to handedness.
Conclusions:
- The association between left-handedness and lower life expectancy may be multifactorial.
- Further research is warranted to fully elucidate the complex relationship between handedness, health outcomes, and longevity.