A theory of technophysio evolution, with some implications for forecasting population, health care costs, and pension costs

Fogel, R.W.; Costa, D.L.

Demography 34(1): 49-66

1997


ISSN/ISBN: 0070-3370
PMID: 9074831
DOI: 10.2307/2061659
Document Number: 268110
We argue that over the past 300 years human physiology has been undergoing profound environmentally induced changes made possible by numerous advances in technology. These changes, which we call technophysio evolution, increased body size by over 50%, and greatly improved the robustness and capacity of vital organ systems. Because technophysio evolution is still ongoing, it is relevant to forecasts of longevity and morbidity and, therefore, to forecasts of the size of the elderly population and pension and health care costs.

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