Growing Old Is Nothing New for Humans. So Why Are We So Bad at It Now?
Anthropologist Michael Gurven's new book, Seven Decades: How We Evolved to Live Longer, challenges the conventional wisdom that humans are getting older and wiser with each passing year. According to Gurven, who has spent years studying indigenous communities in South America, human longevity is not a recent phenomenon.
Gurven, an expert on human evolution and aging, argues that while the typical lifespan of the average person today has increased significantly, there's nothing particularly new about human longevity itself. In his book, he cites examples from around the world where older people have always existed, even in past eras when survival was much more perilous than it is today.
"The idea that humans are getting older and wiser with each passing year is a relatively recent concept," Gurven said in an interview. "In fact, our ancestors were just as old as we are today, but they didn't live as long because of the harsh conditions they faced."
Gurven's work focuses on indigenous communities like the Tsimané of South America, who largely subsist off a combination of farming small crops, hunting, and gathering. Despite their increasing contact with the modern world, these communities still provide a glimpse into humanity's past prior to widespread industrialization.
One notable example cited by Gurven is an indigenous group in the Amazon that has experienced a drop in body temperature since 2002. This phenomenon, known as "cold stress," is a result of the community's exposure to modern technology and changes in their lifestyle.
Gurven's research also highlights the cultural significance of aging in these communities. In many traditional societies, older people are revered for their wisdom and life experience, rather than being marginalized or discarded.
"This is a crucial aspect of human evolution," Gurven said. "We need to recognize that aging is not just a biological process, but also a social and cultural one."
Gurven's book offers a nuanced perspective on human longevity, challenging the notion that humans are getting better at growing old with each passing year. Instead, he argues that we're struggling to adapt to our own success in increasing lifespan.
"The problem is not that we're living longer, but that we're not adapting to our new circumstances," Gurven said. "We need to rethink our approach to aging and recognize the value of older people in our societies."
As Gurven's book hits shelves worldwide, it sparks an important conversation about human longevity and what it means to grow old in today's world.
The book is set to be released globally this month, with translations in multiple languages. Gurven will embark on a speaking tour across Europe and North America to discuss his findings and engage with the public.
Gurven's research has significant implications for policymakers, healthcare professionals, and individuals around the world who are grappling with the challenges of aging populations.
As Gurven notes, "The future of human longevity is not just about living longer, but also about living better. We need to prioritize the well-being of older people and recognize their value in our societies."
*Reporting by Gizmodo.*
