A New Study Puts a Cap on Life Span at 194 Years

Live Long & Prosper: The average life expectancy in the United States is 79 years, though many people live for a decade or more. But what if celebrating more than 100 birthdays was the norm? According to a new study, if certain hallmarks of aging were removed, adults could potentially live between 146 and 194 years. 

The Study: Russian researchers built a mathematical model to estimate how long humans could live if age-related diseases and other reversible aging markers were eliminated and to quantify how natural DNA mutations affect our life span. Under this model, the median life expectancy soared to 156 years — nearly double the current figure. But 194 years appeared to be the upper limit. That’s because our cells die as we age. While some cells in certain organs regenerate, not all of them do. 

The Takeaway: This research underscores the idea that the aging process is driven by multiple intertwined and interacting factors. While it’s not possible to live forever, a healthy diet, quality sleep, regular exercise, and stress management can set the body up for long-term success. 

Keep in Mind: The study was only a model that’s meant to be theoretical, not predictive of how long someone will live.