Short People Live Longer? IPB University Molecular Neuroscience Expert Gives Scientific Explanation
Is it true that short people tend to have a longer life? This question became an interesting discussion in one of the IPB Podcast contents on the IPB TV YouTube channel.
Dr Berry Juliandi, a lecturer from the Department of Biology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (FMIPA) as well as an IPB University Molecular Neuroscience Expert, explores it from a scientific point of view.
According to Dr Berry, the statement is not entirely wrong, but neither can it be concluded simply. “Molecularly, there are pleiotropic genes that play a role in growth early in life, but if they continue to be active in old age, they can accelerate aging or even trigger cancer,” he explains.
He added that one approach proven to slow down the aging process is calorie restriction, which is a reduction in calorie intake without causing malnutrition. This has been proven through various studies on model organisms, which show that genes such as sirtuin can play a role in extending life.
Dr Berry also highlights that the comparison of height to life expectancy cannot be made directly.
“We need to understand the concept of relative size. For example, a baby in absolute terms may appear larger if calculated based on the proportion of head to body. So, height alone cannot be the only indicator of longevity,” he said.
Furthermore, he explained that lifestyle and social conditions also play an important role in determining a person’s life expectancy. He mentioned the blue zone, which are areas in the world with long-lived populations, such as Okinawa (Japan) and Sardinia (Italy).
“People in these areas have a balanced diet, are active, and have strong social relationships,” he said.
Research cited by Dr Berry from Stanford University, shows that social support is more influential on happiness in old age than wealth or position.
“So, longevity is not only influenced by genetic factors (nature), but also the environment (nurture),” he explained.
He gave an example of how epigenetics, which is the expression of genes influenced by the environment such as food and stress, contributes to the body’s resistance to various external pressures. One of them is through the consumption of polyphenols from plants that experience natural stress.
At the end of the talk, Dr Berry emphasized the importance of maintaining the three main pillars found in people in the blue zone, namely limiting calorie intake, being physically active regularly, and living in a supportive social environment.
“Temporary stressors such as fasting or physical activity can actually trigger longevity, as long as they don’t persist,” he concluded.
Thus, Dr Berry reiterated, the claim that short people live long cannot be generalized, because longevity is more influenced by the complex interactions between biological factors, lifestyle, and social support. (IAAS/ARD)
