During the Paleolithic era, a period often considered the original human state, the life expectancy for humans was approximately 33 years of age.
This average lifespan, observed roughly 8,000 generations ago, was significantly influenced by the challenging environmental and health conditions of the time. Early human populations faced numerous threats that severely limited their longevity. A stark reality of this era was the high mortality rate due to infectious diseases.
Factors Influencing Early Human Lifespan
Life in the Paleolithic era was characterized by a constant battle against disease and scarcity, which directly impacted human longevity.
- High Incidence of Infection: A vast majority of deaths—approximately 75%—were directly attributable to infections.
- Common Diseases: Diarrheal diseases were particularly prevalent, leading to severe health complications.
- Resulting Health Issues: These infections often resulted in critical conditions such as:
- Dehydration: A direct consequence of diarrheal illnesses.
- Starvation: Resulting from the inability to absorb nutrients due to illness, or general food scarcity.
The table below summarizes the conditions and average lifespan during this ancient period:
Era/Period | Approximate Life Expectancy | Primary Factors Impacting Lifespan |
---|---|---|
Paleolithic | 33 years | High rates of infection (75% of deaths), including diarrheal diseases, leading to dehydration and starvation. |
These factors combined to create an environment where reaching old age was a rare occurrence, defining the typical human lifespan for tens of thousands of years.