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Left-handedness and old age: do left-handers die earlier? | JoVE Visualize

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Mathematical Sciences

Left-handedness and old age: do left-handers die earlier?

K Hugdahl¹, P Satz, M Mitrushina

¹University of Bergen, Department of Biological and Medical Psychology, Norway.

Neuropsychologia|April 1, 1993

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

The prevalence of left-handedness decreases with age, with more older adults switching writing hands. This suggests changing social norms, not reduced longevity, explain fewer left-handers in older populations.

Area of Science:

Neuroscience
Human Development
Psychology

Background:

Left-handedness prevalence varies across age groups.
Two hypotheses, elimination and modification, attempt to explain age-related differences in left-handedness.
Understanding these differences offers insights into social norms and longevity.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the prevalence of current and past left-handedness across a wide age range.
To test the elimination and modification hypotheses regarding age-related changes in left-handedness.
To explore factors like sex, familial sinistrality, hand posture, and education.

Main Methods:

Surveyed 2787 subjects aged 21-101 years.
Recorded current left-handedness, switched hand for writing, sex, familial sinistrality, and education.
Analyzed data to compare left-handedness prevalence across different age groups.

Main Results:

Left-handedness prevalence significantly decreased with age (15.22% in 21-30 year olds vs. 1.67% in >80 year olds).
The rate of switching writing hands increased with age (2.69% in 21-30 year olds vs. 6.75% in >80 year olds).
Results support the modification hypothesis (changing social norms) over the elimination hypothesis (reduced longevity).

Conclusions:

Changing social norms are the most likely explanation for the lower prevalence of left-handedness in older adults.
While social norms appear key, the elimination hypothesis cannot be entirely disproven.
Further research may be needed to fully elucidate the age-related dynamics of handedness.

Statistical Theory

Left-handedness And Old Age: Do Left-handers Die Earlier?