Why do humans live past menopause? Fully one-third of the human lifespan occurs after childbearing ceases. Given Mother Nature’s preference for reproduction, what could explain this?
Researchers found that, of all mammals, only humans, orca, and short-finned pilot whales go through menopause. (A killer whale undergoing menopause: now, there’s a picture!) And they wondered why. Here’s what they found:
Post-menopausal females bring such a survival advantage to the tribe or pod (protecting and helping the young mothers, finding food, and anticipating danger), that it is equivalent in value to the ability to reproduce.
So the next time you feel shitty for being post-menopausal, remember that you are essential to the survival of your species. (See the Grandmother Hypothesis).
And if you’d like to see more reasons to be happy about getting older, click on this four-post series on the amazing, aging brain.
Late add: thanks to Sue Shoemaker for this related article (click on elephant picture):
Image from Benh Lieu Song/Flickr
As I age, well past 60, I don’t sleep through the night anymore. Many of my friends of a certain age make the same complaints. I decided that it is ancient genetics, where we would get up to stoke the fire and make an inspection of the perimeters to protect the tribe. May not be true, but makes me feel valuable as I check the thermometer and that the door was locked.
Toni, I love that! There are so many things we don’t know about our physiology, biology, soul. I like your explanation and choose to believe it. Thank you for sharing it with us. I haven’t yet run into that middle-of-night wakefulness, but when I do, I am planning to see the night as my special time for reading or meditating.
Interesting hypothesis. My grandparents all passed before I was born; I distinctly recall “adopting” a couple who [to my young mind] seemed like they were grandparent age.
That’s interesting, Ginger. Maybe it goes two ways , that the young seek out the old for survivability reasons!
I knew we aging women were more important than we thought!
Also, when you think about it, nature doesn’t like to waste energy. So after a lifetime of gathering wisdom, what are you going to do with that valuable resource? Clearly, you would use it to perpetuate or protect the species.
Interesting hypothesis. Though I have the granny of the game for some time now, I can’t wait to have grand kids.
Pat, you have perpetuated the species of female athlete; thanks for your contribution to humanity!
Lynne, this confirms for me that the role I hold so dear–grandmother-truly does have a vital function In the cycle of life. When I think of my own maternal grandmother and the huge role she played in nurturing and shaping me, this comes to no surprise. BTW, your mother looks fantastic holding your gorgeous granddaughter!
Thanks, Kathy. Shortly after I went gray, Mom decided to go natural too. She is now completely white, and loves it! I’ll have to run a pic.
I always suspected that was the reason! This is harder to accomplish today, given that families are separated through relocation for work and other reasons. But nevertheless, grandmothers find a way to spend precious nurturing time with their progeny, at least during early childhood!
I think the Hypothesis can be generally applied to all older people and their value to youth. If they’re involved, the whole of humanity is better off!
Did you read the part about the difference between maternal and paternal grandmothers? Interesting…I spent more time with my paternal grandmother, and as a result I was closer to her.
Since I have two sons, I am the paternal grandmother to all of our grandchildren.
I didn’t get that far but since I am paternal granny too, I’ll go back and see.