Posted: September 5th, 2022

Aspects of human aging

Aspects of human aging
Aging is the progressive deterioration in the functionality of the body; it increases the chances of death. The aged share several common characteristics, such as a wrinkled face, grey hair, and tooth loss. They are highly susceptible to diseases because they have a weak immune system. Margaret Clark was among the first people to explore the aspects of human aging in anthropology. She authored a book entitled ‘Culture and Aging’ and articles such as the ‘Anthropology of Aging, ‘and a ‘New Era for Studies of Personality and Culture.’
In her works, Clark described aging as a social process of adapting to social-cultural contexts. She evaluated the self-esteem and confidence of seniors who were in the hospital and others who were at home. Clark discovered that older people are withdrawn and disengaged in the society. She also focused on the physical, emotional, and cognitive challenges that the aged face.
The modern population is perceived to have lived the longest. Evolutionists argue that this is due to the long period people take to learn requisite behavior to fit into society. In the olden days, human populations did not live for long because of accidents and illnesses. Biological anthropologists argue that aging begins in the post-reproductive period.
Social, economic, and environmental issues affect aging, body composition, and health. Although life expectancy has increased with 1/5 of the world population aged 60 years and above, life expectancy is lower in the developing countries. In Japan and Asia, the number of older people has increased. Japan’s senior population doubled in 26 years.
Sharon Kaufman, a student of Margaret Clark, also added essential information on human aging in the field of anthropology. Although ancient and recent bones and skulls do not reveal much, evolutionists argue that aspects, such as lifestyles and diets, determine the lifespan of human populations.
Aging is part of human characteristics; almost everyone has to go through it. According to Wynne-Edwards, aging is essential to society rather than an individual. That is because it eliminates unproductive people. However, this proposition was challenged by many as it does not align with traditional Darwinian evolution.
Although the contribution of biological anthropologists is little, it has played a significant role in helping us understand the aspects of human aging. Demographic trends indicate that the number of students enrolling in biological anthropology is reducing. The American Anthropology Association has embarked on various initiatives to spark renewed interest in these courses.
References
Crews, Douglas E. “Biological anthropology and human aging: some current directions in aging research.” Annual Review of Anthropology 22.1 (1993): 395-423.
Buch, Elana D. “Anthropology of aging and care.” Annual Review of Anthropology 44 (2015): 277-293.

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