Laura Carstensen, a psychology professor at Stanford University and the founding director of the Stanford Center on Longevity, spoke at the LeadingAge Leadership Summit in Washington, D.C. last month. She explored how lifespan has changed over the last
century, describing how in just a few generations, the life of an average human has increased by 30 years!
In the 1800s, the average human life lasted through the mid-30s. In 1900, lifespan hit 47. Now, half of all babies born in 2000 or later will make it to 100, and in America, that increases to age 104! Modern medicine, exercise, healthier lifestyles, electricity, and other technological advances have caused unprecedented increases in longevity. “This is why aging is so difficult for so
many: It’s brand new!” Carstensen said. “It’s something we have not had in human history.”
