I was reading recently that left-handed people tend to have a shorter life span than right-handers of up to seven years. Does anyone know why this is? As a left hander myself I'm not particularly pleased with this situation lol
2007-11-09 14:33:26 · 9 answers · asked by maitreyauk 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Biology
Weirdly, I only use my left hand for writing. Everything else I always use my right hand. Is this common? Does it mean I'm ambidextrous?
2007-11-09 15:07:10 · update #1
I read about that. I thought it was proven false though?
The rationale behind it is because we live in a right handed world where all the tools are designed for them. Therefore us lefties are more prone to accidents, especially on roads where our reflex reaction (when you're just about to crash) is to turn into oncoming traffic instead of the kerb for righties.
Meh, at least we're (supposedly) smarter.
2007-11-09 14:58:05 · answer #1 · answered by Equinox 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi Maitreyauk. I just took a quick look at the medical research in this area on Pubmed/Medline. This is a very controversial concept - which means the scientific evidence is not strong.
The research that has been done is not of 'good quality', so the conclusions are not likely to be valid. One of the problems with research in this area is that it depends on looking at the number of left-handers still alive vs. right-handers still alive in older age groups. Unfortunately, in these older people, they grew up in a time when schools forced left-handers to "become right-handers" (my father had to deal with this in school). So, the number of remaining left-handers is less than would naturally occur without this forced change in handedness.
Another problem with this hypothesis is the lack of an explanation of how handedness shortens life.
Overall, this hypothesis is very, very weak. So relax and live a long, healthy and prosperous life!
2007-11-09 22:57:04 · answer #2 · answered by Doctor J 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I took a quick look on the Internet and couldn't find anything that relates left/right handiness with average life span.
My guess is that there probably isn't any meaningful relationship. The only thing that comes to mind is that left-handed people live in a world designed for right-handed people. This creates a certain degree of stress in the lefties. This may have some effect resulting in a slightly shorten life span.
2007-11-09 22:55:58 · answer #3 · answered by Bob D1 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I don't know and now I'm seriously worried! I've got a lot less time left than I thought! Guess it really is the time to make the most of it! LOL !!
Can you remember where you saw it?
I wonder if it has anything to do with our over-use of the left sides muscles? Remember the heart is on that side!!!!!
2007-11-09 22:46:08 · answer #4 · answered by willowGSD 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Well I am a left hander and now I won't buy any green bananas.
2007-11-10 01:33:50 · answer #5 · answered by mr.answerman 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
well im glad to say your not alone. i write with my left, but do every single other thing with my right!!! i can write alittle with my right hand as well.
2007-11-10 01:51:36 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
you get back problems from having to turn sideways to write at school. Does insurance cover that?
2007-11-09 22:41:11 · answer #7 · answered by rjm 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
i would give my right arm to be ambidextrous
2007-11-09 22:40:28 · answer #8 · answered by kevin friend 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
LoL.. That's really cheered me up!
2007-11-09 22:59:20 · answer #9 · answered by Moofunk 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋