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by Derrick Schokman

Why is that our bodies begin to suffer from backaches, bulging discs, fragile bones, torn ligaments, fractured hips, varicose veins, hernias and whatever when we reach the prime of life.

We have been repeatedly told by purveyors of "youth in a bottle" that all these maladies are the result of our own fault, arising from a decadent lifestyle.

But surely these unhealthy consequences are not all our fault. They could also be the result of the evolutionary process - what Darwin called natural selection or the force that moulds our genetically controlled traits. Our upright posture is a case in point.

When early humans (hominids) evolved to a bipedal posture from other mammals who walked on all fours, it helped them to promote tool use and enhanced their intelligence.

The tinkering that took place to adapt to an upright posture produced bigger lower vertebrae to cope with the increased vertical position, an increased network of tendons to help tether over organs to the spine and keep them from slumping down on each other and a somewhat curved spine to prevent us from toppling over. Although these fixes were enough to survive, reproduce and pass on the robust genes to a fit next generation, they could not ward off the body problems (stated above) which became evident in the post-reproductive phase.

Every step we have taken in an upright position in an extended life after the elapse of the warranty period, places extraordinary pressure on our feet, ankles, knees and back which support the weight of our bodies.

Scientists studying the biodemography of ageing (biological reasons for age-related problems) believe that if we had been properly programmed for an extended life period and good health, we would have been differently built.

We would then have been shorter in stature to provide a lower centre of gravity, preventing the falls that often fracture bones.

We would also have had a forward tilting upper torso to relieve pressure on the vertebrae, thus reducing the risk of ruptured or slipped discs which, together with weakened abdominal muscles, contribute to lower back pains.

Also a curved neck to counterbalance the tilted torso and to enable the head to stay up face forward.

Thicker discs too to resist destructive pressures, and a larger rib cage to prevent hernias and other problems by holding the organs in place more effectively.

And larger hamstring and tendons to help support leg and hip, and extra padding of muscle and fat around joints to help cushion them against breakage during falls.

By no means a beautifully youthful body, but certainly a more enduring one built to be 100 years young.

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