Between Zeus and the Salmon - The Biodemography of Longevity

Demographers and public health specialists have been surprised by the rapid increases in life expectancy, especially at the oldest ages, that have occurred since the early 1960s. Some scientists are calling into question the idea of a fixed upper limit for the human life span. There is new evidence about the genetic bases for both humans and other species. There are also new theories and models of the role of mutations accumulating over the life span and the possible evolutionary advantages of survival after the reproductive years.
This volume deals with such diverse topics as the role of the elderly in other species and among human societies past and present, the contribution of evolutionary theory to our understanding of human longevity and intergenerational transfers, mathematical models for survival, and the potential for collecting genetic material in household surveys. It will be particularly valuable for promoting communication between the social and life sciences.

Riassunto

Deals with topics such as the role of the elderly in other species and among human societies past and present. This book also discusses the contribution of theory to our understanding of human longevity and intergenerational transfers, mathematical models for survival, and the potential for collecting genetic material in household surveys.

Dettagli sul prodotto

• Autori: Commission on Behavioral and Social Scie, Commission on Behavioral and Social Sciences and Education, Committee on Population, Division Of Behavioral And Social Scienc, Division of Behavioral and Social Sciences and Education, National Research Council
• Con la collaborazione di: Caleb E Finch (Editore), Caleb E. Finch (Editore), Kenneth W Wachter (Editore), Kenneth W. Wachter (Editore)
• Editore: National Academies Press
• Lingue: Inglese
• Formato: Tascabile
• Pubblicazione: 01.10.1997
• EAN: 9780309075176
• ISBN: 978-0-309-07517-6
• Pagine: 296
• Dimensioni: 152 mm x 226 mm x 15 mm
• Peso: 476 g
• Categoria: Scienze sociali, diritto, economia > Sociologia > Teorie sociologiche