People with high IQs have a lower risk of death

A study involving one million Swedes revealed a strong connection between intellectual ability and risk of death, which suggests that policies to increase government educational opportunities also exist. can bring about health benefits.

Dr. David Batty, researcher at the MRC Public Health and Social Sciences Unit in Glasgow and colleagues, found that low IQ is associated with a higher risk of death from causes such as accident, coronary heart disease and suicide.

The team analyzed data from a million enlisted Swedish men at the age of 18. After the group took into account factors such as whether the person grew up in a richer or safer environment. They found that only a new educational background affected the relationship between IQ and the risk of death.

The researchers suggest that the link between IQ and mortality may be somewhat related to healthier activities in people with higher IQs.

Dr Batty said: 'People with higher IQs seem less likely to smoke and drink less, they have a better diet and they are physically more active. So they have many beneficial activities that partly explain why they have a low risk of death. '

A study with the participation of 1 million Swedes revealed a strong connection between intellectual ability and risk of death. (Photo: Rowena Dugdale, Wellcome Images)

Previous studies have also shown that preschool education programs and good nutrition can increase IQ. This can bring unpredictable health benefits, while promoting the government's efforts to improve living conditions and education.

Dr. Batty said there could be benefits from simplifying health information for the community. He said: 'If you believe the link between IQ and death rate is at least partly explained by the fact that people with lower IQs have less healthy behaviors. This is completely reliable. Therefore, it may be too complicated for messages to change health behaviors. '

'Dietary messages, including dosages and alcoholic drinks, are not easy. The strategies outlined for smoking are so abundance and so complex. If you can clarify the options for those who want to quit, the best brief will be effective '.

Another study in which Dr. Batty co-author used data from 4000 US military personnel, followed them for 15 years. The study also found an association between IQ and mortality, as well as the link between neurosis and the risk of death.

Refer:
1. Batty et al. IQ in Early Adulthood, Socioeconomic Position, and Unintentional Injury Mortality by Middle Age: A Cohort Study of More Than 1 Million Swedish Men. American Journal of Epidemiology, 2008; 169 (5): 606 DOI: 10.1093 / aje / kwn381
2. Weiss et al.Emotionally Stable, Intelligent Men Live Longer: The Vietnam Cohort Study Experience.Psychosomatic Medicine, 2009;DOI: 10.1097 / PSY.0b013e318198de78