We're here to answer some common questions that people have about tall life. We might be biased, but tall people are interesting people who live interesting lives. So take a minute to broaden your knowledge of the vertically inclined.

Today's Q&A Topic: Tall People Health

Do taller people live longer?

Studies have shown mixed results in the correlation between height and life expectancy. For instance, a 1992 study found that on average, men in the study who were shorter than 5'9 lived to 71 years old on average. However, men taller than 6'4 in the same study live to 64 years on average.

The story might be different for women. A study published in the BMJ Journal of Epidemiology & Community health showed that women who were over 5'9 were 31% more likely to reach 90 years old than women who were 5'3 or shorter.

In both studies, it seems that height (in relation to longevity) is a difficult variable to isolate. So if you are a height advantaged man, don't shorten your retirement life expectancy. If you want to live longer than your shorter counterparts, stay active as you get older instead.

What is the healthiest height for a man?

This seems to be a common question, although also a very difficult question to answer. Instead of worrying about your height in relation to your overall health, be more concerned about your Body Mass Index (BMI). In general, a healthy BMI ranges from 18.5 to 24.9.

Do tall guys have higher blood pressure?

A 2017 study does suggest that there is a correlation between blood pressure and height, especially for men. The study determined blood pressure in taller participants to actually be healthier than the shorter participants. 

What determines height?

How much of your height (or lack there of) is determined by your genes? How much is determined by other external factors? Studies have shown that between 60 to 80 percent of height can be attributed ti genetic factors, while 20 to 40 percent is determined by other factors. The largest contributing environmental factor?: nutrition (see next question).

Does diet affect height?

Yes! As mentioned above, there are factors outside of genetics that contribute to your height. The most important external factor is your diet. The most important nutrient for the aspiring tall kid is protein. However calcium, Vitamin A and Vitamin D will also contribute to a child's final height.

What age do you stop growing?

You probably won't be surprised to know that boys stop growing at an older age than girls. Most boys will stop growing by age 16.

Stupid question of the day: Does hanging increase height?

Short answer: No. Hanging exercises do decompress your spinal disks, extending your height as much as half an inch in the middle or end of the day. However, this only lasts a few hours.

Thanks for broadening your tall knowledge today. What other questions do you have about tall people?