Menopause’s secret – Longevity boost for humans and whales: F.D. Flam

In a whirlwind of life, humans emerge as remarkably long-lived creatures, a trait illuminated by a recent study on menopause. While most animals reproduce until their twilight years, only a select few, including toothed whales and humans, undergo menopause. Unveiling a 40-year longevity bonus, scientists reveal how post-fertility phases foster leadership and familial support. Delving into evolutionary theories, this groundbreaking research reshapes our understanding of aging, showcasing a shared kinship with whales and the profound significance of elders in human society.

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By F.D. Flam

Although life can seem to go whizzing by, humans are actually weirdly long-lived animals. A new study helps explain why: menopause. 

The fact that female humans lose fertility while still remaining vigorous and strong is extremely rare — most other animals keep reproducing until they are near death. Only five other animal species are known to undergo menopause and experience a long post-fertile phase — all of them toothed whales. Now scientists found that the females of those whale species live on average 40 years longer than females of species that remain fertile. They published their findings in the journal in Nature.

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