Subscribe now

Letter: Civilised old age

Published 31 July 2004

From Chris James

Rachel Caspari assumes that more surviving grandparents led to more successful and civilised societies (10 July, p 14). But is it not equally likely that only successful societies were able to spare the resources to keep grandparents alive into old age?

Eastleigh, Hampshire, UK

Issue no. 2458 published 31 July 2004

Sign up to our weekly newsletter

Receive a weekly dose of discovery in your inbox. We'll also keep you up to date with New Scientist events and special offers.

Sign up
Piano Exit Overlay Banner Mobile Piano Exit Overlay Banner Desktop