Why Doesent Richard Age

[Tanith]

Some of the theories I have came across are: He has somehow became immortal/Some experiment haltered his ageing process, He is already dead, He is time travelling, He is a human representation of the island, The island somehow does it to him the same way Locke heals fast because they are both "special".

 

I also came across a theory that somehow the island prevents cell division which causes ageing which would also explain why women who has conceived on the island all died during child birth (unless taken off the island) but since Ben did age while being on the island that pokes a few holes in that theory.

 

What do you guys think?

[DavidB]

I honestly haven't got a clue. I think it's the way things happen to some people and not to others that confuses me the most, but no doubt it'll make sense in the end.

 

I'd have thought time travel was part of it originally but it seems pretty far fetched to have him going back and forth and being in certain places at certain times etc. Now I'm leaning towards a more scientific biological reason, though what I have no idea .. same with Locke and his healing etc.

[Laurenx]

I also came across a theory that somehow the island prevents cell division which causes ageing which would also explain why women who has conceived on the island all died during child birth (unless taken off the island) but since Ben did age while being on the island that pokes a few holes in that theory.

Perhaps it has something to do with Ben not being born on the island? I honestly don't know though, and I wouldn't be able to come up with a decent theory! Like David, I orginally thought about it having something to do with time travel but I'm doubting that now..