A new study claims that humans might not ever live past 125, and the chances of anyone exceeding that is less than 1 in 10,000.
It’s highly unlikely that anyone will live past 125
Ever since the dawn of time, people have been trying to figure out how to extend their lifespans. Up to now, scientists are still doing research on how to make us live longer. Some scientists are looking towards regenerative medicine, while some are even trying to grow new organs as replacements.
However, based on new research, humans might have already reached their limit when it comes to lifespan: 125 years.
The researchers also made it clear that it doesn’t necessarily mean that people won’t be living to very old ages in the future, it’s just that it’s highly unlikely that anyone will live past the age of 125.
The average life expectancy has increased since the 19th century
The study’s senior author, Jan Vijg, shares that “Further progress against infectious and chronic diseases may continue boosting average life expectancy, but not maximum life span.”
The researchers also noted that since the 19th century, “the average life expectancy has increased because of improvements in public health, diet, and other areas.”
The longest recorded lifespan of any person was from a French woman named Jeanne Calment, who lived to the age of 122 years.
The researchers also pointed out that the lifespan doesn’t imply that humans are programmed to only live up to 125, but it simply means that other genetic factors and traits contribute to our maximum lifespan.
They add that “Humanity is working hard to manufacture more survival time, with some degree of success. But we should acknowledge that a genetically determined fixed life-history strategy for our species stands in the way of radical life extension.”
Go to the next page to learn more about living longer.
What can we do to extend our lifespans?
While science still hasn’t figured out a sure-fire way to extend all of our lifespans, keeping ourselves healthy can help make sure that we live longer and much more fulfilling lives.
Here’s a few things that you can do:
- Conscientiousness is key. According to Stanford researchers Howard S. Friedman and Leslie R. Martin, conscientious behavior directly influences a person’s other behaviors. Conscientious people have a habit of making healthier choices, which can give them longer lives.
- Food is your friend. What you eat can directly impact how long you’ll live. A lot of people living in the Mediterranean live to their hundreds, and this can be attributed to their diet of fruits, vegetables, nuts, and healthy fats like olive oil.
- Genetics also plays a role. While long-lived parents don’t automatically mean that their children will have longer lives, genetics can influence your bodily functions and makes some people less prone to certain diseases.
- Stay in school. A study back in 2012 by the CDC showed that people that had a bachelor’s degree, or higher lived about 9 years longer than those who didn’t graduate high school.
- Keep yourself productive. According to the Longevity Study, “We found that productive, hardworking people (even in old age) are not stressed and miserable, but tend to be happier, healthier, and more socially connected than their less productive peers.”
- Be sociable. A large social group has been attributed to having a longer life. Women generally have larger social groups than men, and they have been found to live longer.
- Sitting shortens your lifespan. Yup, that’s right. Sitting for long periods of time can put your health at risk. Take a few moments to stand up and walk around, or work at a standing desk.
READ: The world’s oldest person alive celebrates her 117th birthday this month
Sources: wired.co.uk, chicagotribune.com, prevention.com
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