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Aging and the Inevitable Limit to Human Life Span.
1Department of Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA.
Gerontology
|May 17, 2017
Summary
Human lifespan appears naturally limited around 115 years, despite some individuals living longer. This maximum longevity is linked to species-specific life history strategies, explaining why humans don't reach the lifespans of other species.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Evolutionary Biology
- Demography
Background:
- A long-standing debate exists regarding a natural limit to human lifespan.
- The maximum reported age at death has remained stable around 115 years for approximately 25 years.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the reasons behind the apparent natural limit of human lifespan.
- To explore the relationship between species-specific longevity and life history strategies.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of demographic data on maximum reported age at death.
- Comparative analysis of longevity across different species.
- Theoretical framework linking life history strategies to lifespan.
Main Results:
- Human lifespan shows a plateau around 115 years, with limited increase over recent decades.
- Significant variation in maximum lifespan exists across species.
- Life history strategies are closely associated with species-specific longevity.
Conclusions:
- Human lifespan is constrained by inherent biological factors related to life history strategies.
- These strategies prevent humans from achieving the considerably longer lifespans observed in some other species.
Keywords:
CentenariansDietary restrictionLife expectancyLife-history strategyLimits to life spanMaximum life spanMaximum reported age at deathNegligible senescenceMore Related Videos
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