joedirt wrote:
The answer is we live much longer than we would in the wild. We are really only designed to live into our mid thirties (which is probably why that is the age we start to see performances decline). We live longer now due to health care, food availability, etc. An animal in the wild only lives about half as long as it does in captivity. If you have ever seen or had an old dog, you would understand better. Once your performance declines in the wild you become prey.
No, think of how much more capable a fit 50 year old is than any kid or even teenager.
We are allowed to stay relevant as long as we are able to, not some random number.
There is also considerable margin for decline before the time is up for a wild animal.