February 28, 2013 | Ling

Both my brother and I have given our mum much grief over the years, but at least I haven’t shortened her life.

A new study suggests a woman’s risk of an earlier death increases slightly for each son she bears. Daughters, however, seem to increase mum’s longevity by just a little… Not by enough to be significant, but certainly enough to be smug about.

The scientists don’t know whether biological or cultural factors, or a mix of the two, cause this difference. Regardless, it vindicates what I’ve always believed – girls are better to have around than boys!