Have two children, the longest life?This may sound incredible, but a recent study found that it seems to be true.
The study, led by the University of Michigan in the United States, reviewed the genetic and health information of more than 276,000 people. The results of the study found that reproduction and longevity were strongly negatively correlated genetically, meaning that mutations in genes that promote reproduction tend to shorten longevity.
Interestingly, the study found that having only two children favored having the longest lifespan when controlling for the number and timing of reproduction of genes**. The fewer or more children you have, the shorter your lifespan.
So, why is having two children the best for longevity?Researchers believe that there may be several reasons for this:
Genetic inheritance:** Having a child passes on the genes of the parents to the next generation. If the genes of the parents contribute to longevity, then these genes are also passed on to the next generation.
Social support:** children can provide social support to their parents to help them cope with stress and challenges. Social support is considered an important factor in longevity.
Economic factors:** In many cultures, having children is considered an economic responsibility. If parents only have two children, then they can better meet the financial needs of their children, thus reducing stress.
Of course, there are some limitations to this study. First, the study only looked at Caucasians, so whether its conclusions apply to other races remains to be further studied. Second, the study only considered genetic factors and ignored the influence of other factors, such as lifestyle, environmental factors, etc.
The results of this study are surprising, but also have some plausibility. Of course, having a child is a big decision that can have an impact on both parents and the child's life. Therefore, all factors should be fully considered before making a decision.
Studies have found that having two children is most conducive to longevity