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How long must humans live?

Bruce A Carnes1, T M Witten2

  • 1Reynolds Department of Geriatric Medicine, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center. Bruce-Carnes@ouhsc.edu.

The Journals of Gerontology. Series A, Biological Sciences and Medical Sciences
|October 24, 2013
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Humans have evolved a biological warranty period of 50-55 years, sufficient for achieving Darwinian fitness. Beyond this, maintaining health and vigor becomes increasingly challenging, prompting a reevaluation of human lifespan research.

Keywords:
Biological warranty periodEffective end of reproductionMortality acceleration.Sex ratio

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Area of Science:

  • Evolutionary Biology
  • Human Longevity
  • Biomedical Science

Background:

  • Traditional species definitions overlook human technological advancements in mortality reduction.
  • Unlike most animals, humans commonly survive to old age due to technology.
  • Current research focuses on maximum human lifespan, rather than biological necessity.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify the biological warranty period for humans.
  • To determine the evolutionary basis for this lifespan boundary.
  • To understand the implications for human health and aging.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of reproductive cessation.
  • Examination of the age at which the sex ratio becomes unified.
  • Assessment of mortality acceleration patterns.

Main Results:

  • Evidence suggests a biological mandate for humans concludes around 50-55 years.
  • This period aligns with achieving Darwinian fitness.
  • Post-55 years, maintaining health and vigor becomes biologically more difficult.

Conclusions:

  • Human lifespan is biologically programmed for a specific duration related to reproductive success.
  • The 50-55 year mark signifies a transition point in human health and aging.
  • Rethinking human lifespan research to focus on biological necessity is proposed.