After studying tables of current life expectancy (life expectancy increase per decade, in years, based upon United States National Vital Statistics) I found embedded a virtually perfect Fibonacci sequence. A Fibonacci sequence is a series of numbers as follows: 0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34, 55, 89, 144, 233, …etc, where each number is the sum of the previous two. See here for more details on the Fibonacci sequence: http://www.mathacademy.com/pr/prime/articles/fibonac/index.asp
To my knowledge, this has not been described before. This is important because, based on my ideas regarding Global Brain acting as a catalyst for promoting extreme human lifespans (http://hplusmagazine.com/2011/03/04/indefinite-lifespans-a-natural-consequence-of-the-global-brain/), it may help us predict with some accuracy any dramatic increases in life expectancy. For example, the model predicts that the current maximum lifespan of 110-120 years will be increased to 175 in the next 20-30 years.
In simple terms, the fact that life expectancy increases in a certain manner, and this manner obeys deep-routed and universal natural laws, indicates that it may be possible to:
1. Predict life expectancy in the near future. Based on the Fibonacci sequence,
a 90 year old today, can expect to live another 5 years
a 95 year old can expect to live another 8 years
a 103 year old can expect to live another 13 years, then…
a 116 year old can expect to live another 21 years
a 137 year old would expect to live another 34 years
a 171 year old would expect to live another 55 years
a 236 year old would expect to live another 89 years
a 325 year old can expect to live another 144 years,
and so on.
2. Question the presence of ageing and death in an ever-evolving intellectually sophisticated human (who is a valuable component of the Global Brain). Based on current facts, the Fibonacci sequence with regards to life expectancy ends abruptly when lifespan reaches the limit of approximately 120 years. Why is this so? Why should a naturally extending lifespan deviate from universal natural laws? Life expectancy should continue to increase as an individual manages to survive to a certain age. The presence of ageing and death could therefore be considered unnatural.
3. Support the notion that ‘you need to live long enough to live forever’ (see Kurzweil
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fantastic_Voyage:_Live_Long_Enough_to_Live_Forever, and also De Grey’s ‘Longevity Escape Velocity’ suggestions http://www.ted.com/index.php/talks/aubrey_de_grey_says_we_can_avoid_aging.html).
Those who manage to survive to extreme age are more likely to see their life expectancy increase even further, and so on, recursively. Kurzweil believes that this scenario will be achieved through use of technology. De Grey believes that this will be achieved via biological developments. I think that this ‘live long enough to live forever’ scenario will happen naturally (with minor input both from technology and from biological research). Those individuals who fully integrate their activities within the Global Brain will experience a natural-driven ever-increasing life expectancy.
For more details see https://acrobat.com/#d=MAgyT1rkdwono-lQL6thBQ
Marios Kyriazis
Maybe I misunderstand your idea, but are you suggesting that the life expectancy of the average American increased from 8 to 13 to 21 years and so on? Probably not. So where exactly did you spot the Fibonacci sequence?
Also, did you notice that while the average life expectancy increases, the maximum does not? Thus, a 120 year old has a much higher probability of not surviving the next year than a 90 year old, and the 90 year old than the 80 year old? So, where do you draw your bold conclusions from?
I am not suggesting that life expectancy has already increased from 8 to 13 years etc. I am suggesting that it should increase. In general terms, life expectancy has already increased by
0 years for those aged 20 years
by 1 year for those aged 30 years
by 1 year for those aged 40 years
by 1 years for those aged 50
by 2 years for those aged 60
by 3 years for those aged 70
by 5 years for those aged 80
by 8 years for those aged 90 and
by 13 years for those aged 100.
The numbers 0,1,1,2,3,5,8,13 form a Fibonacci sequence (with the odd exception of the 50 year age group). IF this sequence is meant to continue, then the increase for future age groups would be continuing the Fibonacci sequence, which is 21,34,55, 89 etc.
The maximum lifespan limit of 120 years will, in my opinion become obsolete as new developments in Synthetic Biology, stem cells, technology and the Global Brain become more widespread. Valuable components of the Global Brain (i.e. those humans who have a meaningful connection with it) will be retained rather than be allowed to age and die.