Human Longevity Laboratory Investigation
Introduction: Most individuals do not reach the maximum lifespan of their species, and many die
prematurely. A number of factors affect the lifespan of humans in particular. Availability of food, clean
water, shelter, medical care, vaccines, antibiotics, the occurence of wars, and disease are among them.
Numerous studies indicate that Americans live longer in the modern era than they did during the earlyAmerican era.
Research Question: Do humans in New Jersey live longer in 2013 than they did prior to 1900?
Hypothesis: If the conditions affecting human welfare have improved over time in New Jersey , then
humans will have a longer mean lifespan in 2013 than they did in the years prior to 1900.
Variables:
Independent: Time period during which an individual lived
Dependent: Lifespan in years
Procedure:
1. Go to a local cemetery.
2. Record the first and last names and the lifespans of at least 100 individuals (50 males and 50
females) who passed on prior to 1900.
3. Go to the website nj.com and click on obituaries.
4. Record the first and last names and the lifespans of at least 100 individuals (50 males and 50
females) who passed on in 2013.