Yes, numerous studies show a consistent link between higher IQ scores in childhood and longer life expectancy, with higher intelligence associated with lower risks of death from various causes, including heart disease, stroke, and respiratory issues, likely due to better health behaviors (like lower smoking rates) and socioeconomic factors, though the link remains even after controlling for these.
It emerged that those who had a higher childhood IQ tended to have a lower risk of diseases like lung cancer, heart disease and stroke in adulthood – thus boosting their longevity. This may reflect better lifestyle choices, like healthier diets and lower rates of smoking.
The association between intelligence level (IQ) measured during childhood or adolescence and longevity has been observed in many studies. It is clear that, on average, individuals with higher IQs have tended to live a little longer than those with lower IQs.
Ikaria. People on this tiny Aegean island live 8 years longer than Americans do. They experience 20% less cancer, half the rate of heart disease, and almost no dementia. Ikarians eat a variation of the Mediterranean diet, with lots of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, beans, potatoes, and olive oil.
Snoop Dogg has publicly stated he has an IQ of 147, a score that falls into the "highly gifted" or "genius" category, much to his own surprise given his self-described average school performance (straight Cs). While this self-reported score suggests exceptional intellect, IQ tests measure specific cognitive abilities, and success in life and business (like Snoop Dogg's multifaceted career as a rapper, entrepreneur, and media personality) reflects a broader range of intelligence and skills.
We all know that Gaga is a creative genius, but it turns out she's an actual genius too with a widely-estimated IQ of 166, making her “exceptionally gifted” — and we don't disagree!
Pop superstar Madonna reportedly has a genius-level IQ of around 140, placing her well above average and often cited alongside other highly intelligent celebrities like Shakira and Arnold Schwarzenegger. This intelligence is supported by her early academic success, including a scholarship to the University of Michigan before she pursued music.
Certain lifestyle habits can negatively affect your physical and mental health, shortening your potential lifespan.
Key statistics
Life expectancy at birth was 81.1 years for males and 85.1 years for females in 2022–2024, reflecting no change for either males or females from the previous year (2021–2023).
Many studies have found a link between anxiety-prone personality and shortened lifespan. 1 The tendency to always react to frustration, loss, or threat with negative emotions is referred to as neuroticism by researchers who have found this trait to be widespread and worrisome.
An IQ of 72 is considered borderline intellectual functioning, falling below the average range (90-109) but not quite low enough for a diagnosis of intellectual disability (typically below 70). It signifies slower learning, potential difficulties with complex concepts, and a need for more support in daily living and academic skills, placing someone in the bottom few percentiles of the population.
They are a natural strategic and independent thinker. In addition, they have a highly complex inner world that not many people get. Because of this, they may struggle with loneliness, relationship frustrations, and feeling misunderstood.
1. VO2 Max: Your Cardiovascular Fitness Level. VO2 max measures how efficiently your body uses oxygen during exercise and is one of the strongest indicators of longevity. A higher VO2 max is associated with better heart health, improved endurance, and a lower risk of cardiovascular disease.
Some signs that often appear in children include:
Intelligence genes are situated on the mother's X chromosome. Thus, an intelligent mom has intelligent kids even if their fathers aren't wise. Scientists from the University of Cambridge conducted this study. The 'conditioned genes' behave differently depending on their origin.
The higher your intelligence, the lower your risk of becoming ill and dying prematurely. This correlation applies across the entire intelligence scale,” says Anton Lager, researcher in public health at the Department of Global Public Health at the Karolinska Institute.
Australia's top three causes of death are consistently Dementia (including Alzheimer's disease), Ischaemic Heart Disease, and Chronic Lower Respiratory Diseases, though their exact order and numbers shift slightly year to year, with dementia often leading for females and heart disease for males, and lung cancer and cerebrovascular diseases also prominent in the top five.
In addition, articles comparing life expectancy of athletes compared to that of nonathletes were reviewed. Results of 13 studies describing eight different cohorts suggest that regular physical activity is associated with an increase of life expectancy by 0.4 to 6.9 years.
Top 10 Countries with the Highest Life Expectancy
Alcohol: Drinking too much alcohol can dehydrate and damage your skin over time, leading to signs of premature aging. Poor sleep: Studies show that low quality (or not enough) sleep makes your cells age faster. Stress: When you're stressed, your brain pumps out cortisol, a stress hormone.
Carpenters, masons and traders live from 45 to' 50. Bankers, editors, jewelers, mannfacturers, mechanics, painters, shoemakers and tailors average from 40 to 45. Machinists, musi cians, and printers live from 35 to 40, and clerks, operatives and teachers are the shortest lived of all being, only from 30 to 35.
“Smoking is one of the most harmful things people can do to themselves,” Dr. Maniar says. Blood flow drops, slashing oxygen that fuels the heart, which compensates by spiking blood pressure, heart rate and rhythm, and can lead to hardened and narrowed arteries and blood clots causing cardiovascular disease.
Marilyn Monroe had an IQ of 168! Despite being typecast as the quintessential “dumb blonde,” she was highly intelligent and had a deep love for literature. She owned over 400 books, including works by Dostoevsky, Freud, and Hemingway, and even took literature courses at UCLA.
Ben Affleck's IQ is often cited as 154, placing him in the highly gifted range, though these figures for celebrities are estimates, with some sources also mentioning high intellect in relation to his work, such as co-writing Good Will Hunting with Matt Damon.
Kanye West is often described as highly intelligent because he thinks beyond traditional boundaries. He combines creativity, business sense, and cultural awareness in a way that reshapes music, fashion, and public conversation.