Which mammal lives the longest and why?
From the icy waters where the bowhead whale glides silently for two centuries, to the busy cities where modern human life expectancy has doubled in the last 70 years, the concept of ageing is fascinating.
A glimpse across generations: Lifespans in years
Bowhead Whale: 200 years
Humans (2020s): 72 years
Elephant: 56 years
Humans (1950): 47 years
Brandt’s Bat: 41 years
Western Gorilla: 35 years
Brown Bear: 25 years
Tiger: 14 years
Hedgehog: 3 years
These numbers provide more than biological trivia as they reflect evolutionary strategies, environmental pressures, and human influence on lifespans.
Why does the bowhead whale live so long?
According to genetic studies cited in The Lancet, the bowhead whale holds secrets to ageing locked in its slow metabolism, resistance to cancer, and cellular repair capabilities. Residing in frigid waters helps too: cold temperatures can reduce metabolic stress, potentially slowing the ageing process.
The human story: A dramatic leap in lifespan
In 1950, global human life expectancy stood at just 47 years, according to the UN World Population Prospects 2022. By 2020, that number had risen to 72 years, fuelled by advancements in medical science and vaccines, sanitation and clean water, nutrition and public health, and education and socio-economic development.
Our World in Data reports that this progress has not been evenly distributed—life expectancy still varies drastically between countries, with some regions in sub-Saharan Africa lagging due to poverty and limited healthcare access.
