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Life at the top: the benefits of height

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  • Angus S. Deaton
  • Raksha Arora

Abstract

According to the Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index daily poll of the US population, taller people live better lives, at least on average. They evaluate their lives more favorably, and they are more likely to report a range of positive emotions such as enjoyment and happiness. They are also less likely to report a range of negative experiences, like sadness, and physical pain, though they are more likely to experience stress and anger, and if they are women, to worry. These findings cannot be attributed to different demographic or ethnic characteristics of taller people, but are almost entirely explained by the positive association between height and both income and education, both of which are positively linked to better lives.

Suggested Citation

  • Angus S. Deaton & Raksha Arora, 2009. "Life at the top: the benefits of height," NBER Working Papers 15090, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    • Handle: RePEc:nbr:nberwo:15090
    Note: AG EH
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Anne Case & Christina Paxson, 2008. "Stature and Status: Height, Ability, and Labor Market Outcomes," Journal of Political Economy, University of Chicago Press, vol. 116(3), pages 499-532, June.
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • D6 - Microeconomics - - Welfare Economics
    • I10 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - General
    • I30 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Welfare, Well-Being, and Poverty - - - General

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