The Limits of Human Longevity: What Science Says About Our Lifespans

The Challenge of Aging

The idea that humans can keep living longer and longer might not be true. Experts say we've already made huge progress in helping people live past 60 or 70. But now, the big challenge is helping people live past 80 or 90. The problem is, our bodies age, and science hasn't found a way to stop that yet.

Historical Progress

Early 1900s:

• Focus on kids and young adults
• Fought diseases like measles and polio
• Helped mothers survive childbirth
• Many didn't live past 60

Second Half of the 1900s:

• Focus on older people
• Treatments for heart disease, cancer, stroke
• People living longer than ever before

The Aging Problem

• Cells and organs break down naturally
• No escape from the effects of aging
• Limited future increases in life expectancy

Current Efforts

• Geroscience: Research into slowing aging
• Still in early stages

Living Well

• Eat well, exercise, avoid bad habits
• Focus on quality of life
• Make the most of every day