Is being a flight attendant hard on your health?

Published Research. U.S. flight attendants have a higher prevalence of several forms of cancer, including breast cancer, uterine cancer, gastrointestinal cancer, thyroid cancer, and cervical cancer, when compared with the general public, according to new research from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.



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But being a flight attendant is also a lot of work. There are long hours, early mornings, and late nights. There are also strict safety regulations that must be followed at all times. And while it can be tough juggling all of the different responsibilities, they always manage to keep things running smoothly.

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Scientists have done the math, and it turns out that frequent fliers actually age the tiniest bit more quickly than people with both feet on the ground. But not to worry, the difference is so small, you don't have to worry about extra wrinkles.

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But the unique pressures of flight attendants' lifestyles can complicate recovery: They are at high risk of occupational injury, including back problems, stress, and shift work disorder, which can result in excessive sleepiness or losing consciousness for seconds at a time.

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Working long hours and being away from loved ones can be tough to deal with. However, I'm incredibly adaptable and am willing to make sacrifices as I see the job's value in allowing me to travel and experience new places. The physical aspect of the job, like standing for long periods, can be quite challenging.

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It's a physical job, but not all flight attendants must be slim and trim. You do, however, have to fit into the flight attendant jumpseat. Flight attendants have no set weight requirements, as body types can vary even if two people are the same height and weight.

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Being an introverted flight attendant is possible as long as you're ready to talk to people whether you feel like it or not, and if you're willing to work for hours while enduring the sudden crave for a quiet alone time. Don't get us wrong though, we're not telling you to transform yourself into a complete extrovert.

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Because the job demands such a high level of emotional composure, flight attendants may learn to “stuff” their emotions, rather than coping in relative real time. These individuals often feel stuck with their struggles, and may resist seeking assistance from others.

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While flight attendants are healthier overall than the general population—they have lower rates of smoking and maintain healthier weights—they have higher rates of certain diseases and conditions, including female reproductive cancers, sleep disorders, and depression, according to research by McNeely and colleagues.

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Airlines have different standards for the physical appearance of their flight attendants, but in general, they are looking for women who are attractive and well-groomed. It is important to note that being pretty is not the only criteria for being a successful flight attendant.

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Flight attendants are about average in terms of happiness. At CareerExplorer, we conduct an ongoing survey with millions of people and ask them how satisfied they are with their careers. As it turns out, flight attendants rate their career happiness 3.3 out of 5 stars which puts them in the top 43% of careers.

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On the flip side of being a flight attendant, there are some downsides to the job as well. One of the biggest issues is fatigue due to long hours away from home during certain times of the year such as holidays or peak travel periods when more flights are available.

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You must be of normal retirement age - age 65 to continue working as a Flight Attendant and collect your PBGC benefit.

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At 21 years old, you can apply to be a flight attendant with any airline. Minimum age requirements typically apply at the time of training completion, so candidates who will reach an airline's minimum age during training can apply for flight attendant roles. There is no upper age limit for flight attendants.

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