An early research focusing on understanding if life span has an influence on people’s behaviour reported an unexpected finding saying that the month of birth determines life expectancy of women.
A research conducted on women above 30 years of age showed that month of birth is an indicator of life expectancy at least for women. It was found that women born in either May or December usually have a life expectancy that is 3 years superior to those born in August.
The prime aim of the study was to understand whether human longevity was responsible for a trade-off in biological fertility mainly for British aristocratic families. In order to conduct the research information of longevity data for European aristocratic families were collected. These included data from expired groups of individuals having lived during 1800-1880. Different variables were used to understand swings in trends, where month of birth was one of these determinants. The variable was expected to be removed from the study due to its irrelevance. However, unpredictably month of birth appeared to be a very vital determinant of the life span of women.
The low scientific credibility given to astrology and horoscopes forced the researchers to re-evaluate the statistics. The information was reanalyzed and they appeared to be more than simply statistical artifacts. However, among the variables used, life expectancy of women appeared to be influenced by several factors. Yet, date of birth became a ruling one. For instance, women born in the month of August had the worst life expectancy.
The fact that a trivial determinant such as date of birth might influence human life span is remarkable. Human appears to be sensitive to seasonal change at an early age, this is what influenced the aging process. This effect is known as deficiency of folic acid, Vitamin B12, B6, C or E as well as niacin, which can induce oxidative lesions as well as single and double-strand break. This may account for premature aging. Children born in the period of August or February are more vulnerable to these seasonal changes and may lack the intake of necessary vitamins.
It can thus be deduced that behaviour and practices 30 years ago might have significant impact on longevity. This could include exercise, vitamin supplement and food intake. The findings do support the reliability theory of aging, which says that initial level of damage influence the future length of human life.
Source: Journal of Anti-Aging Medicine; Volume 2, 1999; Season of Birth and Human Longevity
Tue, Feb 9, 2010
Anti Aging Theories, Lifestyle, Longevity