Instead, the scientists suggested that the ultimate age a human might live to is around 115 years.
The research also showed that women tend to outlive men, with the maximum age for females set at 115.7 years, while for males, it’s around 114.1 years.
Professor John Einmahl, one of the three researchers involved, explained these findings in an interview with AFP, noting: “On average, people live longer, but the very oldest among us have not gotten older over the last thirty years.”
“There is certainly some kind of a wall here. Of course the average life expectancy has increased. Nevertheless, the maximum ceiling itself hasn’t changed.”
Despite this, Einmahl acknowledged that while most won’t surpass 115 years, some individuals manage to go beyond this lifespan, challenging the norms.
For example, Jiroemon Kimura, verified by Guinness World Records (GWR), was the oldest man ever recorded, living to be 116.
And, just last year, French nun Sister André passed away at 118, showing that exceptions do exist.
In September 2024, Japan’s Tomiko Itooka was named the current oldest living person by Guinness World Records.
Born in May 1908, Itooka has now reached over 116 years of age and was officially recognized with her certificate on Respect for the Aged Day, a national holiday in Japan celebrating the country’s elderly.
