Scientists from the University of Edinburgh and the Glasgow Institute of Medical Research conducted a 20-year follow-up study on 7,414 participants to explore the correlation between intelligence and lifespan. The participants began the study around the age of 85, and during the research period, 1,289 individuals died, including 568 from heart disease. After comparing the reaction times, smoking habits, and weight of the deceased and living participants, researchers found that those with slower reactions had a 2.6 times higher likelihood of premature death compared to those with quick reactions.
Scientists analyzed that reaction time reflects the speed at which the brain processes information and is a concentrated expression of physical coordination. Reaction speed is the best indicator of lifespan, reflecting the coordination of various body parts. Slower reaction speeds indicate poorer information processing ability in the brain, suggesting that overall physiological functions are not in an optimal state, which increases the risk of early death. Additionally, individuals with quick reactions tend to have higher IQs and healthier lifestyles, contributing to their longer lifespans.
