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1Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.
Perceptual and Motor Skills
|April 1, 1993
Summary
Left-handedness is linked to health risks and reduced longevity, despite earlier nonsignificant findings. New evidence supports left-handedness as a marker for shorter lifespans.
Area of Science:
- Health Sciences
- Human Biology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Previous research on handedness and longevity yielded mixed results, with some studies reporting nonsignificant findings.
- A growing body of literature associates left-handedness with various health-risk factors, including accidents and birth complications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To re-evaluate the association between handedness and longevity in light of new evidence.
- To address limitations in previous analyses, such as statistical methods and data discrepancies.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of archival data from multiple studies, including baseball and cricket players.
- Comparison of statistical approaches, favoring nonparametric analyses over parametric methods when appropriate.
Main Results:
- While earlier studies reported nonsignificant longevity differences, absolute values suggested a trend favoring right-handers.
- Recent data from over 3000 cricket players showed a significant 2-year longevity advantage for right-handers.
Conclusions:
- Left-handedness is consistently associated with increased health risks and potentially reduced longevity.
- The evidence supports left-handedness as a biological marker for decreased lifespan.