Journal Article

Senescence vs. sustenance: evolutionary-demographic models of aging

Baudisch, A., Vaupel, J. W.
Demographic Research, 23:23, 655–668 (2010)

Abstract

Humans, and many other species, suffer senescence: mortality increases and fertility decreases with adult age. Some species, however, enjoy sustenance: mortality and fertility remain constant. Here we develop simple but general evolutionary-demographic models to explain the conditions that favor senescence vs. sustenance. The models illustrate how mathematical demography can deepen understanding of the evolution of aging.
Keywords: ageing
The Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research (MPIDR) in Rostock is one of the leading demographic research centers in the world. It's part of the Max Planck Society, the internationally renowned German research society.