jim mcnamara said:More succinctly -
There is no selection pressure for genes that make you live longer than it takes to successfully reproduce and rear young. It is a mammalian trait, BTW, because mammals have to care for young. Some other groups of animals die when they reproduce - eg. many insect species, anadromous fish. Which is tantamount to the same idea.
acvwJosh said:But wouldn't living longer allow you to reproduce and rear more young? As humans we typically raise one set of young, but other organisms reproduce regularly. For example, sea turtles nest every two to four years -- the longer they're alive the more offspring they can reproduce. Isn't that a selective pressure for longevity?
Chronos said:The hayflick limit is the quick answer. Even turtles, sharks and trees eventually succumb to old age. All living things are programmed to die to create space for their offspring.
AyazM said:Is living forever even possible, whether or not the genes for such a purpose are present? What is known from why we die of old age is explained by the commonest causes of death with cardiovascular disorders ranking top. Some critical regulatory process or organ gives way and we simply die regardless of how good or bad health we had maintained over the past years!
molian said:Asexuality (sexual abstinence) is associated with short stature, low education, low socioeconomic status, poor health and later onset of menarche in women.
( http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez/15497056 ) Another article says that deprivation of sexual activity in girls after the puberty probably induces physical and functional damage. ( http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez/642847 ) Sexual abstinenceis associated with death. Early cessation of sexual intercourse was found to be associated with an increased mortality risk among men. http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/journal/120047525/abstract?CRETRY=1&SRETRY=0
Reduced frequency of orgasm is remarkably associated with coronary artery disease.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez/1005633
SW VandeCarr said:You are not making the case that sex is a cause of good health and longevity. What these sources indicate is that good health is associated with more sexual activity, which is not at all surprising. First, poor health, for a variety of reasons, may decrease sexual drive. Secondly, healthy people are more attractive and probably have more opportunities for sex. You only provided the abstract for the KE Money article which suggests a causal relation. This article over thirty years old and published in a journal called "Medical Hypotheses". I know of no reputable source that suggests that sexual abstinence causes poor health. However, sexual promiscuity is highly associated with sexually transmitted disease with its morbidity and mortality in both sexes. Sexual fidelity in committed relationships among adults is generally associated with better health, other things being equal.
AyazM said:Is living forever even possible?
celebrei said:One name: Turritopsis nutricula
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turritopsis_nutricula
As we age, our cells begin to deteriorate and lose their ability to function properly. This is due to a combination of factors such as DNA damage, accumulation of waste products, and a decrease in the production of essential proteins. As a result, our bodies become less able to repair and maintain themselves, leading to the overall decline in our health and eventual death.
While there is currently no way to stop the aging process altogether, there are steps we can take to slow it down and delay its effects. These include living a healthy lifestyle, maintaining a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and reducing stress. Additionally, advancements in medical technology and research may lead to future treatments that can help slow down the aging process.
The aging process and lifespan vary greatly among different species due to their genetic makeup and environments. Some species, such as turtles and whales, have longer lifespans due to their slower metabolic rates and better DNA repair mechanisms. On the other hand, smaller animals with faster metabolic rates tend to have shorter lifespans.
While current research suggests that the maximum human lifespan is around 120 years, there is ongoing debate and research on whether this limit can be extended through medical advancements. However, it is important to note that genetics, lifestyle, and environmental factors also play a significant role in determining an individual's lifespan.
Aging has a wide range of effects on the body, including changes in physical appearance, decreased muscle mass and bone density, and a decline in cognitive function. It can also increase the risk of developing chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. These effects are a result of the gradual decline in the body's ability to repair and maintain itself as we age.