Why Humans Live Longer Than Other Primates, Conventional Opinion

The conventional wisdom is that this is due to the development of modern medicine, adequate food, and an advanced sanitation system. When our ancestors began to consume more meat, they gradually evolved immune mechanisms to fight off the germs found in meat. These immune mechanisms prolonged human lifespan, but also came at a high cost, making humans more susceptible to a number of age-related diseases in later years. Humans are unusually long-lived compared to other primates. Many researchers attribute this longevity to the invention of vaccines and antibiotics, as well as to efficient urban sanitation systems and a year-round supply of fresh, nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables. At the same time, human longevity compared to other lifespans is inextricably linked to lifestyle.