Researchers use prehistoric skeletons to study ageing

An archaeologist from the University of York is leading a new study into how societies viewed ageing, wisdom and experience over thousands of years.

Dr Lindsey Büster’s research claims to be the first to focus on the lives and experiences of older adults in prehistoric and Roman Europe, examining skeletons and objects from collections including York Museums Trust.

The project, called Age-Old Stories, aims to challenge existing stereotypes and ageism by exploring how earlier societies viewed age, wisdom and experience.

“They have a very large collection of Roman human remains from across Yorkshire and that’s going to be a really important assemblage for us,” said Dr Büster.

The ultimate aim is for the research to provide strong examples of why making older adults more visible in policy-making and public life is so important,” said Dr Büster.

“Ageing is not a marginal experience, it is a central part of human history and we should have better strategies for valuing and celebrating it today.”

Archaeological discoveries already suggest that older adults were central figures in many past societies.

In Scarborough, the remains of Gristhorpe Man – Britain’s best-preserved Early Bronze Age skeleton – were analysed and suggested he was aged between 45 and 60 years, tall and muscular, and nourished by a rich diet.

“He is over 45 and he was buried in this log coffin, which would’ve been hugely time consuming, hugely labour intensive and he’s buried with a dagger,” said Dr Büster.

“These are all the trappings of a high-status individual.”

The project will work in partnership with York Museums Trust to create a new exhibition and public events, and will also collaborate with Age Friendly York.