OLD AGE SECRET.

Pelorus Guardian and Miners' Advocate., Volume 23, Issue 7, 26 January 1912, Page 2

OLD AGE SECRET.

INVESTIGATIONS. The problem, of longevity is being studied not only from the mortality records of human life, but similar records .are now being kept of animals in captivity, in order that the conditions for keeping them alive may become better understood. Various life spans were lately reviewed by Dr. P. Chalmers Mitchell. The classic example of extreme age in man is Thomas Parr, or ‘"Old Parr,” who died in London in 1635,, at the reputed age of 152 years, and two or three others have been credited with reaching 140 years or more. While these figures are questioned, persons are certainly known to live considerably more than 100 years—the number being now on the increase. Man’s nearest relatives—the chimpanzee, orang and gorilla— probably live GO or 70 years, although the smaller arcs do not exceed 25 years. Lions, tigers, and bears, may reach 45 or 50. Of other life possibilities, as near us .can be determined, that of the elephant is 100 years ; rhinoceros, 50 or 60 ; horse, 40 ; deer, 40 or more ; cattle and sheep, domestic cat, and squirrel, 20 ; eagle, over 100 ; owl, 80 ; parrot, over 100 ; raven and crow, 70 ; ostrich, under 40 ; goose and duck,, over 30 ; canary and some other small singing birds, 20 to 30. Men, whales, eagles and parrots are the only animals exceeding 100 years. Few animals, however, reach the greatest possible age, as the average length of life depends upon enemies, accidents, disease, and living conditions. I