Could Humanity Embrace an Insect-Like Lifestyle? Tokyo University Professor Explores Aging and Its Potential Universality

Why? Elephants don’t get cancer and they also don’t age.

Humans inevitably age. As we grow older, we become susceptible to illnesses and worry about cognitive decline. Cancer is a particularly concerning issue. Statistics show that one in two Japanese individuals will develop cancer, with one in four men and one in six women succumbing to the disease. Many people aspire to remain healthy until their last breath, aiming for a vigorous and lively existence.

“Elephants achieve this ideal. Despite some living for over 60 years, these creatures, with their immense size and numerous cells, remarkably do not develop cancer. They exhibit no signs of aging, often walking tens of kilometers with their companions until their final moments,” 

Explained by Takehiko Kobayashi, author of “Why Do Only Humans Age?” and professor at the Institute of Quantitative Biology, University of Tokyo.

According to Professor Kobayashi, the reason for cancer and dementia is that as DNA gradually breaks down with age, cells age. However, elephants do not develop cancer because they possess a gene called LIF6 in addition to p53.

“P53 functions to eliminate aging cells, and LIF6 is a gene that assists in p53’s function. Cancer arises from DNA damage, but elephants excel in killing and eliminating damaged cells.

Since aging and damaged cells are also eliminated, elephants do not show signs of aging and can walk tens of kilometers with their companions until just before death. They often die due to circulatory system issues such as myocardial infarction.”

It’s quite enviable. However, LIF6 is a gene unique to elephants and not found in humans. Research is currently being conducted on what would happen if LIF6 were introduced into humans, but there is still no clear progress.

The wisdom, knowledge, and altruism of elderly humans have contributed to making humanity a strong community.

Most wild animals die when they lose their reproductive ability. Why do humans live for decades even after losing their reproductive ability? Is it because of advances in medicine?

“It’s not solely due to medical progress that lifespans have increased. While medical care is necessary when one falls ill, what’s even more crucial is nutrition and public health.

Recent increases in lifespan are largely attributed to improvements in nutrition and public health, resulting in enhanced immunity and decreased prevalence of infectious diseases due to abundant food and cleaner living environments. However, even before that, the presence of elderly individuals within a population was advantageous.”

Human history spans back 7 million years. Considering that lifespan has gradually extended since then, it’s plausible that medicine may not be the sole factor.

“Humanity emerged from forests and opted for a communal lifestyle on flat terrain 7 million years ago. Throughout history, communities with elderly individuals have thrived. This is because the elderly accumulate various experiences, knowledge, skills, and wisdom, and possess the ability to lead and unify the group.”

In youth, there’s energy for challenges and competition, leading to a lifestyle characterized by ambition and competition. As energy diminishes with age, perspectives broaden, and individuals tend towards a cooperative and communal lifestyle, desiring to contribute to various aspects of society.