Shorter people, on average, tend to live longer than taller people by several years. Research suggests that shorter stature is linked to lower mortality rates and fewer chronic diseases related to diet. For example, studies found that men under around 5 feet 3 inches lived about 2 to 7 years longer than their taller peers, with some studies attributing this to factors such as fewer cells exposed to damage, lower caloric needs, and genetic influences like the FOX03 gene. Although height is a factor, overall longevity also depends heavily on genetics, lifestyle, and environmental factors. People with shorter height often experience a longevity advantage but this is part of a complex interaction of other health determinants as well.

People with dwarfism usually have a nearly normal life expectancy unless associated health complications are present.