Are People Living Longer Today Than in the Past?

The Jewish faith suggests that the number of a person's years is predetermined (and there's a debate whether this number can increase or decrease due to good deeds or sins). Additionally, we observe that the life expectancy of Western individuals is increasing over the years, closely linked to advancements in medical science and awareness of health and nutrition hazards. What should be the approach of a believer towards the rise in life expectancy? Has Hashem decided to gradually extend human lifespans? Can both viewpoints be combined without sounding like an excuse? ?

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Greetings,,

During the Middle Ages, there were dreadful diseases that took the lives of millions, especially in Europe. Diseases like tuberculosis claimed the lives of many family members at a young age, with high infant mortality rates. Thus, it created the impression that throughout human history, people died young until modern science arrived. This assertion is far from true. In all cultures on earth, there's a similar proportion of elderly people, even in less advanced countries, like China, Japan, and Greece.

Archaeological findings also show that the elderly were not rare at all, with many grandparents in every ancient culture.

In the Book of Psalms, we find evidence over 2000 years old regarding the average human lifespan::

"The days of our years are seventy; and if by strength, eighty years" (Psalms 90), which is indeed the average life expectancy in Western societies today.

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Hashem decides which diseases will be prevalent, when and how humans will overcome particular illnesses. He also determines whether a certain culture will live longer and the quality of life within each culture. If we suddenly live longer, it means Hashem has decided to grant us longer lives through these means. In our generation, we are approaching the complete redemption, where human material conditions will improve significantly, all as part of the redemption process intended to prepare for a corrected life where we can study Torah and fulfill mitzvot in complete comfort and without suffering. Part of this preparation process includes various scientific and technological advancements.

Regarding your question,

Though prayer is powerful and can bring about miracles, it's crucial to understand that every person's fate is determined primarily beforehand - whether they will be wealthy or poor, sick or healthy, how long they will live, and when they will die. In the Niddah Tractate, it is said (page 16b): "Rabbi Chanina bar Pappa taught: The angel appointed over conception is called 'Lailah.' He takes the drop and offers it before Hashem, saying: Master of the Universe, this drop, what will become of it? Strong or weak, wise or foolish, rich or poor? But whether he will be wicked or righteous is not said".

The only thing not predetermined from above is whether a person will be righteous or wicked. However, all other physical conditions of their life are determined from above before they are born. It is very difficult to change decrees set in the heavens, although it is possible (for example, the Talmud narrates how Rabbi Akiva's daughter was saved from death due to an act of charity she performed, and there are similar stories about people who lived longer than predestined thanks to prayer, repentance, and charity). Nevertheless, prayers always bring a Jew closer to the Creator and assist their soul spiritually, even in matters not considered, but they do not always have to materialize exactly in the matter requested - because it depends entirely on Hashem's decision, who knows the condition of each person, their true needs, and the best rectification for their soul.

The great proofs for the truth of Judaism are not based on prayer, but on substantial historical evidence of the revelation of Hashem to the people of Israel. To understand the foundations of Jewish faith, please read a dialogue I wrote between an atheist and Hashem after death, which describes the true evidence for Jewish belief. To read the short booklet, search "Fateful Conversation" in Google.

Sincerely,,

Daniel Bels