LONDON: A new study has analysed superhero behaviour and discovered that implementing that can lead to positive health outcomes.
To do this, researchers in Australia reviewed 24 Marvel movies released between 2008 (Iron Man) and 2021 (Black Widow), with concentrated periods of study during the lockdown in 2020 and 2021.
They assumed that (with the exception of Thor, who has lived for several millennia), superheroes will age and that their individual ageing trajectories will be modifiable by personal traits in much the same way as anyone else’s.
First, they examined positive behaviours and health assets and found that the superheroes regularly engage in physical activity and exercise, both associated with healthy ageing, and they exhibit a high degree of social cohesion and connectedness, both associated with a reduced risk of dementia.
The superheroes also show a positive or optimistic mindset, as well as psychological resilience and a sense of purpose, all of which have been associated with healthy ageing. And with the exception of Thor and Iron Man, the superheroes do not drink heavily or smoke, behaviours associated with longer life and healthy ageing.
Next, they examined negative behaviours and risk factors and found that repeated exposure to loud noises, air pollution, and multiple head injuries puts the superheroes at increased risk of dementia, life-changing physical injury and disability.
The findings of the study were published in the journal “ BMJ”.