If you're born in the autumn--October, November, or December in the Northern Hemisphere and April, May, and June in the Southern Hemisphere--chances are you will live longer than your friends and siblings born in the other nine months of the year. Why? People born in the autumn are less likely to become chronically ill when they are older, according to new research from scientists at the Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research in the northern German town of Rostock.

The team analyzed census data for more than 1 million people in Austria, Denmark, and Australia and concluded that the month of birth was related to life expectancy over the age of 50. They credit this to seasonal differences in what mothers ate during pregnancy. Those who gave birth in the autumn were able to eat the bountiful harvest of summer and early fall during the final months of gestation. Those who gave birth in the spring ate food in the winter months that was less rich in vitamins. Babies born in the autumn weighed more than those born in the spring. Low birth weight has been associated with later life health problems, including increased blood pressure, cholesterol levels, some forms of obesity, and a decrease in lung function. So how much longer do autumn babies live? In Austria it was about seven months longer than those born in the spring, while in Denmark and Australia it was four months longer.

Being born in November in England it means I'm in luck then.

Hooray!!

You and me both Tellywellies, another November baby here.

Gaahhh! The light is getting dimmer, I am shrivelling in my earthly shell. I was born in the Northern Hemisphere in May....goodbye, all.

Ok, I was born in Australia in December (summer). I was a very big baby (9 or 10 pounds?) - does that even it out for me?

Hey! I'm a December baby too!! I'll live longer! Mine's on the 28th. When's yours,Tanzen?

Fjohn you've already turned green there!
I might live a few months longer, October northern hemisphere, but I'll be lonely without the rest of you!

Another Southern hemisphere, December baby here... See you at the Pearly Gates, fjohn..

Oh dear, I was born in August -so Northern or Southern Hemisphere makes no difference. No flowers please.

"If you get to heaven before I do...just drill a hole and pull me right through..."

I think I'd take some tugging what with the forces pulling me both ways!

Oh come now, you just want an excuse to buy a new drill, right? You men are all alike.