How Long Can We Really Live? The Answer To That Question Is Finally Here!

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We all like to imagine living a long, fulfilling life; watching generations grow, experiencing world change, and maybe even seeing the future unfold before us. But no matter how healthy we try to live or how many breakthroughs we see, there's always that question lingering in the back of our minds: how long can we really go?

Scientists have spent years looking for the answer, and it turns out they might have finally cracked it. What they've discovered might surprise you, but it could also change how we think about ageing and the limits of human life.

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Can Live Longer, But Not Forever

Researchers in the Netherlands discovered that while people are living longer on average, there seems to be a natural limit on how old we can get. For women, this maximum age is around 115.7 years, and for men, it's about 114.1 years. This study was based on data from 75,000 people who passed away in the Netherlands over the past 30 years.

Professor John Einmahl, one of the lead researchers, explained to Medical Express that although life expectancy has increased, the highest age that humans reach hasn't changed. These results are similar to findings in the U.S., which suggest that while many people can live into their 90s, going much beyond 115 is rare and unlikely. So, even with better health overall, there's still a limit to how long we can live.

The Person With the Longest Lifespan

The numbers from the Dutch study contrast with the incredible record set by Jeanne Louise Calment, a French woman who lived an impressive 122 years, making her the oldest verified person ever. Born in 1875 and passing away in 1997, Calment set a benchmark that hasn't been broken since.

It's still uncertain if anyone will ever reach her age again, but Professor Einmahl hopes to publish his study soon, which might shed light on what it takes to live longer. Until then, it looks like Oasis was wrong when they sang, "you and I are gonna live forever"-even the oldest among us have their limits!

To wrap it up, the oldest man ever, according to Guinness World Records, was Jiroemon Kimura from Japan, who reached an impressive 116 years. After her passing, Maria Branyas Morera, born in the U.S.in 1907 and now living in Catalonia, was named the world's oldest living person at 115.

Early last year, French nun Sister André passed away at 118, making her one of the oldest verified individuals and she had credited her long life to a simple, balanced lifestyle. Recently, in September 2024, Japan's Tomiko Itooka, who turned 116 this year, received her Guinness World Record certificate as the current oldest living person on Japan's Respect for the Aged Day-a holiday celebrating the elderly.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.