Do you ever get tired of “how’s the weather up there?” jokes? As a tall person myself, I used to find the constant comments about my height annoying. But over time, I’ve come to appreciate the many perks that come with being vertically gifted.
In fact, science shows that tall people have some major advantages when it comes to health, success, and overall quality of life. Intrigued? Keep reading for 10 research-backed reasons why life is better when you’re looking down at the world from up high. You’ll never see your height as a hindrance again after learning all the ways being tall enhances your life.
1. Tall people may be smarter
As a tall person myself, I’ve always felt like my height gives me a bit of an intellectual edge. Turns out there’s some science to back that up! A study from the University of Edinburgh examined over 6,000 people and found a small but noticeable correlation between height and IQ.
Researchers think this could be because higher childhood nutrition leads to greater height and brain development. Or it may be related to growth hormones that affect both cognition and stature. Whatever the reason, it seems we tall folks have a bit of a natural brain boost. No wonder so many CEOs and leaders are on the taller side!
2. Taller People Have a Lower Diabetes Risk
I’ve found that one of the best perks is a reduced risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Other studies also have shown that taller people, both men and women, are less likely to get this chronic condition.
One analysis published in Obesity Reviews looked specifically at women and found that the taller they were, the lower their diabetes risk. Researchers think this could be related to taller people having better insulin sensitivity or differences in growth factors.
Whatever the reason, it’s nice to know my height gives me an advantage when it comes to dodging diabetes. Just another way being vertically gifted helps keep me healthier overall. So while being tall has its annoyances, like hitting my head on low door frames, it also comes with some excellent health perks like diabetes protection. I’ll take it!
3. Tall People Tend to Be More Successful
My height has always made me feel like a natural leader, and research shows there could be some truth to that. Studies reveal that CEOs are taller on average than the general population. In fact, about half of male Fortune 500 CEOs are at least three inches taller than other men in less prominent roles.
Researchers think this could be because taller people implicitly exude more confidence and authority, which translates to getting ahead in the workplace. There also seems to be subtle bias where we associate height with leadership ability and competence.
While success comes in all shapes and sizes, it does appear being tall can provide an edge in climbing the corporate ladder. I know my height has served me well in commanding respect and rising up in my own career. So use your tall stature to your advantage and stand tall in going after your biggest goals! Your height is an asset, not something to slouch away from.
4. Tall People May be Paid More at Work
Studies find that taller people often earn higher salaries and make more money over the course of their careers.
According to The Atlantic, just one extra inch of height can amount to around $800 more per year in earnings. And research in the Journal of Human Capital showed that being in the 75th percentile for height comes with a 9-15% increase in salary.
Researchers think this could be because taller people exude leadership qualities and have an edge in job interviews and negotiations. Whatever the reason, it’s nice to know my stature gives me a boost in earning potential!
So while I may hit my head on low doorways, the perk of likely making more money helps make up for it. I’ll gladly take the tradeoff. Next time someone cracks a “how’s the weather up there?” joke, I can laugh knowing my height is helping line my pockets.
5. Taller People May Have Lower Dementia Risk
Research shows being tall could help protect brain health.
A study from the University of Edinburgh found that shorter individuals have a greater risk of dying from dementia compared to taller people. And the link was stronger for men than women.
Researchers think shorter heights may correlate with other risk factors for dementia, like certain genes. Or nutrition and growth hormones that affect height as a child could also play a role in brain development.
Whatever the reason, it’s reassuring to know my tall stature likely gives me an advantage when it comes to reducing my dementia odds. I’ll happily take the sore knees and inconvenient shower heads if it means helping my cognition stay sharp into old age.
While height is just one small factor among many that influence brain health, every bit of risk reduction helps. So yet another reason to appreciate these long legs of mine – it should help keep my marbles intact for years to come!
6. Lower Risk of Heart Disease is a Tall Person Perk
Studies have found that generally, taller people are less likely to develop congestive heart failure and coronary artery disease compared to shorter folks.
Scientists think this could be related to differences in growth factors, nutrition, or other biological mechanisms that affect both height and heart health. Whatever the reason, I’m relieved to know my stature likely gives my ticker an advantage and lowers my odds of certain cardiovascular conditions.
While height is just one small piece of the puzzle, I’ll take any boost I can get when it comes to having a healthy heart. The inconvenience of bumping my head places or finding clothes that fit is worth it knowing my tall frame helps keep my heart happy and strong.
So while being tall has some annoying drawbacks, like air travel being super uncomfortable, it also comes with perks like cardiovascular benefits. I’ll gladly trade a little leg room for a lower risk of heart disease any day!
7. Tall People are Happier
I’ve always felt like my positive outlook on life was connected to my height in some way. Turns out there’s research to back that up! A study found that taller people report more frequent positive emotions and are less likely to feel angry or sad compared to shorter individuals.
Scientists think this could be because being tall boosts confidence and self-esteem. It may also have to do with differences in biology – the same growth factors that make us tall might affect brain chemicals related to mood.
Whatever the reason, I’m glad my stature seems to give me a boost in happiness! And since positive emotions are contagious, I like to think my cheerful attitude brightens other people’s days too.
Sure, being tall isn’t always easy. But when I’m grinning more often than not, it’s hard to get annoyed about small airplane seats or pants that are always too short. I’ll happily take the perk of extra happiness in exchange for the minor inconveniences. Here’s to tall people and our cheerful dispositions!
8. Tall People Might be More Productive
Research suggests being tall actually makes people more productive! A 7-year study published by the National Bureau of Economic Research looked at hourly earnings as a measure of productivity. They found that taller individuals consistently were more productive in their jobs over the course of the study compared to shorter people.
Scientists think this could be because height is linked to greater intelligence, confidence, health, and energy levels – all of which can enhance our ability to get things done. My theory is having longer arms helps me multitask more efficiently!
Whatever the reason, it’s uplifting to know my stature likely makes me more efficient and accomplished in my daily tasks. Sure, being tall has some headaches like barely fitting into compact cars. But an extra boost in productivity helps offset those annoyances. I’ll gladly take sore knees and lower shower heads if it means I can cross more things off my to-do list and optimize my time. Here’s to leveraging my height into optimal efficiency!
9. Being Tall Gives You More Confidence
Research shows there’s actually something to that—tall people are seen as more confident and competent overall.
Studies reveal that taller folks, especially in adolescence, tend to participate in more social activities like sports and clubs. This gives them a boost in social skills and self-esteem as they grow up. There also seems to be an implicit bias where we associate height with confidence and capability.
I know my own tall stature has made me more willing to put myself out there. I never shied away from leadership roles or speaking up because I felt like my height commanded respect. And in turn, that has allowed me to build real self-confidence over the years.
Sure, being tall has annoyances like clothes never fitting quite right. But the boost it gives my self-assurance is so worth it! I’ll gladly take the bumps on my head from low ceilings for the gift of feeling comfortable in my own skin. Here’s to proudly embracing the confidence that comes with being tall!
10. Being Tall Has Its Perks!
At the end of the day, there are so many little things that make being tall an advantage. Sure, I may hit my head sometimes reaching into low cabinets or getting in certain cars. But I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
I love being able to easily grab things off high shelves for shorter friends. I get the best views at crowded concerts and events without having to jump or squeeze my way forward. My height gives me a natural edge at sports like basketball too!
And honestly, walking into a room tall has a way of making me feel quietly powerful and commanding respect. I stand out in the best possible way.
So while the jokes about “how’s the weather up there?” used to bother me, now I laugh them off. Because the truth is, the view is pretty spectacular! I wouldn’t want it any other way.
Next time someone cracks a height joke, I’ll make sure to retort that being tall rocks. We’ve got confidence, success, health perks, and the world at our fingertips. Here’s to embracing the ups and downs of being vertically gifted!
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This story first appeared on Huffpost.com by Lindsay Holmes
