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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.

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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.

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