| Between Zeus and the Salmon: The Biodemography of Longevity Revised Edition Contributor(s): National Research Council (Author), Division of Behavioral and Social Scienc (Author), Commission on Behavioral and Social Scie (Author) |
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ISBN: 0309075173 ISBN-13: 9780309075176 Publisher: National Academies Press OUR PRICE: $74.10 Product Type: Paperback - Other Formats Published: October 1997 |
| Additional Information |
| BISAC Categories: - Social Science | Gerontology - Social Science | Demography - Medical | Research |
| Dewey: 612.68 |
| Physical Information: 0.6" H x 6" W x 8.9" (1.05 lbs) 296 pages |
| Descriptions, Reviews, Etc. |
| Publisher Description: 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. |