In Marvel movies, almost all of the superheroes engage in physical activity. But some are exposed to more risk factors, which affect their health in the long term.
- Marvel Studios has produced 26 films featuring superheroes.
- The researchers carried out this study between 2020 and 2021, during periods of confinement.
- Each of them watched between 8 and 50 hours of Marvel movies.
Even superheroes have to take care of their health. On the occasion of the Christmas edition of British Medical Journal, researchers present a study on the aging of superheroes, and their tips for taking healthy years. “As superheroes are likely to live much longer than most people, it seems timely to reflect on their health status and its associations with the trajectories and outcomes of aging.“, explain the authors of this research.
Superheroes age, just like everyone else!
Environmental and socio-economic factors can have an impact on aging, but it also depends on individual elements. Some of them, like genetics, are fixed but others are modifiable: diet, physical activity or smoking. In this work, the authors assumed that superheroes are no exception to this rule: their individual aging trajectories are guided by personal traits in the same way as anyone else. To test this hypothesis, Australian researchers looked at 24 Marvel movies released between 2008 (Iron Man) and 2021 (Black Widow). According to them, all heroes, except Thor who lived for several millennia, age.
No tobacco, little alcohol and a positive state of mind
First, they observed their behavior: they found that superheroes engage in regular physical activity and exercise, important factors for healthy aging. Also, superheroes show a high degree of social cohesion and interaction, both of which are associated with a reduced risk of dementia. They also exhibit a positive or optimistic state of mind, as well as psychological resilience and a sense of purpose, all of which have been associated with healthy aging. With the exception of Thor and Iron Man, superheroes don’t drink heavily or smoke, and these behaviors are also associated with longer, healthier lives. Scientists note that Black Panther and Iron Man are extremely intelligent, which reduces the risk of dementia. Finally, Black Panther’s vegetarianism is also a positive point: it increases his chances of aging in good health.
What are the risk factors for superheroes?
If they live in a fantastic universe, superheroes are not spared the risks to their health. Repeated loud noises, air pollution, and multiple head injuries put superheroes at increased risk of dementia, physical injury, and disability. For some superheroes, the risk factors are more numerous: for Hulk, they are heart problems, a high body mass index, and too frequent anger. For Black Widow, childhood trauma increases the risk of physical and mental illness. As for Spiderman, researchers doubt that his pace will allow him to sleep the 8 to 10 hours necessary for teenagers his age. Australian scientists believe that superheroes should halt their efforts to keep the multiverse secure, and instead find solutions to allow everyone access to health services. “This would allow people in the multiverse, including superheroes, to enjoy a high quality of life in old age.“, they conclude. However, Marvel productions do not seem ready to be transformed into a prevention spot against aging!
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