ABSTRACT
This chapter begins with an exploration of the origins of human longevity and discusses the theoretical basis for the longevity that Homo sapiens. It focuses on human longevity and life span and examines studies of centenarians in which chromosomal locations associated with extreme longevity are being identified. The chapter presents some historical and observations that test the theoretical basis for the origins of human longevity and life span. It explores the origins of human longevity and its impact on life span through the science of biodemography. The chapter deals with a few general biodemographic principles that guide the development of models predicting the origins of human longevity. It explains the reasons for the unprecedented rise in human life span during the twentieth century. The chapter looks at life spans in historical societies, and describes the rise of modern biological inquiry and how this led to the mortality rates and extended life spans observed in the developed countries.
