There is a long-lasting debate about a natural limit to human life span, and it has been argued that the maximum reported age at death, which has not increased for ca 25 years, fluctuates around 115 years, even if some persons live beyond this age. We argue that the close connection of species-specific longevity with life history strategies explains why human life span is limited and cannot reach the considerably longer life spans of several other species.

Journal Section:
Editor's choice
Keywords:
Limits to life span, Life-history strategy, Life expectancy, Maximum life span, Centenarians, Negligible senescence, Dietary restriction, Maximum reported age at death
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© 2017 S. Karger AG, Basel
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