Morteltypes
Morteltypes is a term used in speculative design and theoretical discussions to classify mortal beings or populations according to their mortality characteristics. The concept focuses on differences in lifespan, aging, and vulnerability and how these factors influence behavior, demographics, and survival strategies. The word combines the French mortel (mortal) with the English suffix types to denote categories rather than individual identities.
The term is not tied to a single formal discipline. It emerged in design and fiction circles
Morteltypes are generally described through discrete profiles that capture typical mortality patterns. Common profiles include:
- Short-lived morteltypes: high early mortality and brief average lifespans, often facing rapid demographic turnover.
- Standard morteltypes: conventional lifespans with aging curves similar to well-studied human populations.
- Long-lived morteltypes: extended lifespans and slower aging, potentially shifting retirement, healthcare, and inheritance dynamics.
- Fragile or variable morteltypes: mortality highly sensitive to environmental stressors, disease, or external shocks, leading to
In speculative design and narrative worldbuilding, morteltypes help explore consequences for governance, economy, and culture under
Mortality rate, life expectancy, aging research, actuarial science, population modeling.