Document Type
Article
Abstract
Mortality records from the supposedly longevous population of Vilcabamba in southern Ecuador were evaluated for the period 1907 through 1979. Records from the nearly urban center of Loja were also recorded. These records were used to calculate life expectancy tables using a revision of the synthetic cohort method that involved reverse summation. Age at death was corrected for the prevalent age exaggeration using a regression previously established for this community.Life expectancy has increased somewhat in Vilcabamba over the past 70 years. Age exaggeration was evident in the mortality records throughout this period indicating that this behavioral pattern was not a result of recent publicity. Age exaggeration was responsible for all evidence of increased longevity in the life tables compared to U.S. values. Life expectancy in Vilcabamba was very similar to that in the town of Loja and 15 to 30% below those for the U.S. This evidence, together with the documented exaggeration in centenarians and the debunking of the demographic claims, provides the final link in showing no unusual longevity in this population.
Recommended Citation
Mazess, Richard B. and Mathisen, Ralph W.
(1982)
"Lack of Unusual Longevity in Vilcabamba, Ecuador,"
Human Biology:
Vol. 54:
Iss.
3, Article 9.
Available at:
https://digitalcommons.wayne.edu/humbiol/vol54/iss3/9
