ARE WE OPTIMIZED FOR LONGEVITY?

According to evolutionary theory, natural selection seems to optimize us for procreation, but what happens after our reproductive age is less relevant.So, are we designed to live long? Maybe not. Or is longevity somewhat “unnatural”? Maybe yes.In his latest book, “Why We Die” (2024), Nobel laureate Venki Ramakrishnan argues that evolution prioritizes reproductive success over longevity. While mechanisms for maintenance exist, they are secondary to reproduction, favoring traits that enhance reproductive success even at the cost of aging and decreased longevity.If we are not optimized for longevity through evolutionary mechanisms, do we need to take things into our own hands?As a species with scientific and other capabilities, we alre