While no one can predict their exact lifespan, scientists now believe they have pinpointed the upper limits of human life. Biohacker Bryan Johnson, who claims to have “reversed” his biological age through experimental health practices, might see this as a challenge to surpass those limits.
Statisticians from Tilburg and Erasmus University in Rotterdam analyzed data from 75,000 deceased individuals, examining ages at death over the 30 years up to 2017. Their goal was to estimate the potential maximum lifespan for people who live healthily and avoid illness or accidents.
The study found that human lifespan seems to reach a plateau in the nineties. However, with many people living to 100 or beyond, this is not an absolute ceiling.
The researchers estimate that the maximum age for humans is around 115 years. Women may live slightly longer, with a potential limit of 115.7 years, while for men, it’s around 114.1 years.
Professor John Einmahl, a researcher involved in the study, told AFP, “On average, people live longer, but the oldest among us have not aged further over the last thirty years. There seems to be a limit. While life expectancy has increased, this maximum age has remained stable.”
Surpassing this age is rare, but not unheard of. Japan’s Jiroemon Kimura, the oldest man verified by Guinness World Records (GWR), lived to 116, and French nun Sister André reached 118.
As of September 2024, Japan’s Tomiko Itooka has been recognized as the oldest living person by GWR. Born in May 1908, she is now over 116 years old and received her official certificate on Japan’s Respect for the Aged Day, celebrating the elderly.