"Do Big Ears Equal Longer Life? Two Distinct Features Shared by Longevity Elders?"
Study Finds Correlation Between Large Ears and Longevity
Research has revealed that individuals with large ears or a family history of longevity tend to have a longer lifespan and are less prone to catching colds. Moreover, centenarians share a common facial trait: large ears, characterized by an overall larger ear size and prominent earlobes. In a scientific project, researchers surveyed 50 elderly individuals over the age of 80 and discovered two notable features in their ears.
1. Overall Length of the Ear Pinna
The scientific method to measure the length of the ear pinna is from the ear tip to the earlobe. Typically, the average length of an adult's ear is 5-8 centimeters. However, the pinna length of the 50 long-lived seniors surveyed exceeded 8 centimeters, with the longest pinna corresponding to a longer lifespan. Notably, two centenarians had pinna lengths of 8.4 centimeters and 8.5 centimeters, respectively.
2. Large Earlobes
An earlobe extends from the tragus to the lowest part of the ear. The average earlobe length for adults is 1-2.5 centimeters, but in the long-lived elderly, the earlobe length was at least 1.8 centimeters, with a soft and plump texture. Among the 50 long-lived seniors surveyed, 8 had earlobe lengths of 1.8-2.5 centimeters, 39 had 2.6-3 centimeters, and 3 had 3.1-3.2 centimeters, all of whom were over 90 years old.
If you are skeptical, observe elderly individuals known for their longevity. You will likely notice these two ear features. This phenomenon of long ear pinna and large earlobes is also known as the "longevity ear sign." Nevertheless, these are merely one of the characteristics associated with longevity. They do not guarantee longevity for individuals with large ears nor preclude it for those with smaller ears. Comprehensive analysis considering ear color, shape, and various vital signs of other body parts is necessary to determine longevity.
Tips for Longevity
1. Regular Exercise: Reduces the risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, certain cancers, and depression. Aim for 2.5 hours of moderate-intensity exercise per week.
2. Moderate Alcohol Consumption: Benefits longevity. The American Heart Association recommends no more than 1 drink per day for women and 1-2 drinks for men. Non-drinkers are advised against starting.
3. Rich Spiritual Life: A 12-year study on the elderly over 65 found higher levels of immune proteins and lower mortality rates among those with a fulfilling spiritual life.
4. Forgiveness: Chronic anger reduces lung function and increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other illnesses. Forgiveness alleviates anxiety, lowers blood pressure, and improves respiration.
5. Complete Cessation of Smoking: A 50-year UK study found that quitting smoking at 30, 40, 50, and 60 can extend life by 10, 9, 6, and 3 years, respectively.
6. Napping: Beneficial for longevity. A study involving 24,000 participants found that regular napping reduced the risk of heart disease death by 37%.
7. Mediterranean Diet: A comprehensive analysis of 50 studies involving 500,000 people found that a Mediterranean diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, olive oil, and fish significantly reduced the risk of metabolic syndrome.
8. Eating Until 80% Full: The longevity secret of Okinawa, Japan, residents is linked to their low-calorie dietary habits, adhering to the principle of "eating until 80% full."
9. Safety Awareness: Car accidents are the fifth leading cause of death in the US. Safety measures like wearing seatbelts can reduce the fatality or severe injury rate by 50%.