Aging in humans: Why do we age poorly?
Aging is a natural process that has been a part of human history. Michael Gurven’s book, Seven Decades: How We Evolved to Live Longer, explores this concept through his studies of indigenous communities like the Tsimane in South America.
The Interview with Gurven
Gizmodo interviewed Gurven about his focus on the evolution of human aging, the misconception surrounding life expectancy in the past, and the importance of studying indigenous populations like the Tsimane to understand aging better.
Ageing Gracefully: Lessons from Indigenous Populations
Studying communities like the Tsimane provides insights into aging gracefully and challenges common misconceptions about longevity and human aging. By looking back at our natural history, we can better appreciate the aging process and learn valuable lessons.
Continuous Growth in Elderhood
There are other things to learn: no one retires at 65, or at any age in hunter-gatherer communities. There is no expectation of a life of leisure, and I like that idea. Learning is a lifelong process. Aging is not the opposite of growing. There is no deterioration but continuous growth. That doesn’t mean everyone keeps doing exactly the same thing until they die. There are changes in what men and women in those societies usually do. But what matters is that they remain relevant, committed, and involved.
Seven Decades: How We Evolved to Live Longer
I hope it inspires you, gives you new optimism not only for longevity or better health, but also for things that are essential. I’m glad that more people are working on this and more books to read. What I try to do is to bring thinking to a deeper level about where we are and where we are going in the coming decades. There are no medical solutions that will make an 85-year-old biologically like a 35-year-old. The reality is that I hope the book inspires you to think and rethink the age of old age, that there is respect for our elders, knowing that we have to learn from them and that they have a place. It is not just a service to the elderly, but also knowing that we all benefit from having them in our lives. In part, the book shows the different ways in which we have already done these things throughout our evolutionary history.
Seven Decades: How We Evolved to Live Longer, by Princeton University Press, available online or in print.
