What do fictional superheroes teach us about aging?

Superheroes also need to take care of their health. On the eve of the Christmas edition British Medical Journal, Researchers present a study on the aging of superheroes and take their tips over the years Good health. “Since superheroes are more likely to live longer than most people, it seems appropriate to reflect their affiliations with the trajectories and outcomes of their health and aging.“, Describe the authors of this research.

Superheroes grow old like everyone else!

Environmental and socio-economic factors influence them Aging, But it also depends on personal factors. Some of them, like Genetic, Are stable but some are more modifiable: diet, physical activity or smoking. In this work, the authors felt that superheroes were no exception to this rule: their personal aging trajectories are guided by personal traits in the same way as anyone else. To test this hypothesis, Australian researchers looked at 24 Marvel films released between 2008 (Iron Man) and 2021 (Black Widow). According to them, all the heroes except Thor, who lived for many millennia, are aging.

Do not smoke, low alcohol and positive mood

First, they observed their behavior: they observed that superheroes were engaged regularly Physical activity And exercise, important factors in healthy aging. Also, superheroes show a high level of social coordination and interaction, both of which are associated with low risk. Dementia. They also exhibit a positive or optimistic mood, along with a resilience and sense of purpose, all of which are associated with healthy aging. With the exception of Thor and Iron Man, superheroes mostly drink or smoke and these behaviors are also associated with longer, healthier lives. Scientists say that Black Panther and Iron Man are very intelligent, which reduces the risk of dementia. Finally, the Vegetarian Also a plus from Black Panther: it increases his chances of aging with good health.

What are the risk factors for superheroes?

When they live in a fantasy universe, superheroes can not escape the dangers to their health. Repeated loud noises, the Air pollution And many head injuries put superheroes at greater risk for dementia, physical injury and disability. For some superheroes, the risk factors are very high: for the Hulk, they are heart problems, high body mass index and anger very often. For Black Widow, childhood trauma increases the risk of physical and mental illness. In the case of Spider-Man, researchers suspect that his speed may have caused him to get the 8 to 10 hours of sleep he needs. Adolescents About his age. Australian scientists believe superheroes should stop their efforts to keep multiverses safe and instead find solutions that allow universal access to health services. “It allows people in multiverse, including superheroes, to enjoy a superior life in old age.“, They concluded. However, Marvel Productions does not seem ready to turn it into a place of prevention against aging!