Study suggests that following superhero behavior may lead to healthy aging | Health

A new study has analyzed the behavior of superheroes and found that its implementation can lead to positive health outcomes.

The results of the study were published in the journal ‘BMJ’.

To do this, Australian researchers looked at 24 Marvel films released between 2008 (Iron Man) and 2021 (Black Widow), with study periods concentrated during lockdown in 2020 and 2021.

They assumed that (with the exception of Thor, who lived for several millennia), superheroes would age, and their individual aging trajectories would be changeable by personal traits in the same way as anyone else. .

First, they looked at positive behaviors and health benefits and found that superheroes engage in regular physical activity and exercise, both associated with healthy aging, and that they exhibit a high degree of social cohesion and connectivity, both associated with a reduced risk of dementia.

Superheroes also exhibit a positive or optimistic state of mind, along with psychological resilience and a sense of purpose, which have all been associated with healthy aging. And with the exception of Thor and Iron Man, superheroes don’t drink a lot or smoke, behaviors associated with longer lives and healthy aging.

Then they looked at negative behaviors and risk factors and found that repeated exposure to loud noises, air pollution, and multiple head injuries puts superheroes at increased risk for dementia. , physical injuries and disability that change their life.

The researchers then looked at the personal traits and health behaviors of five superheroes (Iron Man, Hulk, Black Widow, Black Panther, and Spiderman).

They note that Black Panther and Iron Man are extremely wealthy and intelligent, which puts them at reduced risk of dementia. Black Panther is also a vegetarian, which is known to promote healthy aging.

In contrast, the Hulk’s heart problems, high body mass index, and almost constant anger put him at risk for several chronic illnesses, while Black Widow’s traumatic childhood experiences increase his risk for physical and mental illnesses.

And while Spiderman’s strength, flexibility, and agility should reduce his risk of falls in old age, his nighttime crime-fighting means he’s unlikely to get the 8-10 hours of sleep recommended for teens. of his age, which can lead to obesity. , poorer mental health, and higher rates of unintentional injury.

To date, the combined efforts of Marvel superheroes have focused on issues such as keeping the multiverse safe, modulating human consciousness, creating artificial intelligence, and developing technologies to facilitate travel. in space, the authors said.

But they suggest they are focusing on challenges, such as how to provide high-quality health and social care to a large and aging population and how to prevent frailty and dementia.

“This would allow people in the multiverse, including superheroes, to enjoy a high quality of life in old age,” they concluded.

Follow more stories on Facebook and Twitter

This story was posted from an agency feed with no text editing. Only the title has been changed.