Why Do We Live So Long?

Abstract

The maximum human life span is presently recorded at about 120 years. Maximum life spans are inherited species characteristics and are consequences of evolution. The Human Genome Project will ultimately identify and characterize genes that are determinants of longevity, which may be both genes for resistance to causes of death and genes for biological characteristics consistent with long life. Human reproductive senescence occurs midway through the maximum life span, but human features can be recognized that are supportive of both reproductive success and longevity after reproductive senescence, which could have been the basis for the evolution of longevity. Although more humans can be expected to reach old ages in the future, it is doubtful that the maximum human life span as it is known today will be exceeded significantly. The human life span has important societal implications, and larger numbers of frail elderly people can be anticipated.

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