Scientists Reveal The Maximum Human Lifespan — And It's Lower Than You Might Expect

Scientists believe they’ve finally pinpointed the 'maximum age' a person can live to — and the results might comfort those uneasy about the idea of dying.

Across the world, life expectancy varies quite a bit. In the United States, the average lifespan sits around 78.4 years. People in the United Kingdom tend to live a little longer at roughly 81.2 years, while Canadians average about 81.6 years.

However, new research suggests that if you stay healthy and avoid accidents or major illnesses, your body could last significantly longer than these averages suggest.

Researchers from Tilburg University and Erasmus University Rotterdam recently worked together to determine just how long humans could theoretically survive if health or environmental factors didn’t interfere.

The results of their investigation turned out to be surprisingly clear.

They examined data from over 75,000 individuals who had passed away in the Netherlands over a 30-year period, ending in 2017, to better understand when human longevity levels off.

Researchers have argued the 'maximum age' a human can live up to Getty Stock Image

For each person, the researchers recorded their exact age at death to identify when human lifespan seems to reach its natural limit.

After analyzing thousands of records, they found that the average age where life expectancy stops increasing — known as the plateau — occurs around 90 years old. But that doesn’t necessarily mean life ends there. Many people go on to live longer depending on genetics and lifestyle.

Essentially, the data showed that while most people reach their upper limits in their nineties, a few rare cases push those boundaries further.

Ultimately, the study suggested that it’s extremely rare for humans to live beyond the age of 115. The researchers also noticed a small but consistent difference between men and women in this area.

According to their findings, the maximum lifespan for women is approximately 115.7 years, while men tend to reach a slightly lower limit of around 114.1 years.

Commenting on the results, Professor John Einmahl, one of the three lead scientists involved, told AFP: "On average, people live longer, but the very oldest among us have not gotten older over the last thirty years."

The possibility of someone living past 115 is unlikely, according to the study Getty stock images

"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."

Even though these numbers seem convincing, Professor Einmahl admitted that there will always be outliers who live well past the expected maximum. Some people manage to defy biological limits entirely.

For instance, Japan’s Jiroemon Kimura still holds the Guinness World Record for the longest verified human lifespan, having lived to an incredible 116 years and 54 days.

Today, the title of the world’s oldest living woman belongs to Ethel Caterham, who has reached 116 years and 48 days. Born in 1909, she was the last surviving subject of King Edward VII.

Originally from Hampshire, England, Caterham moved to India at 18 to work as an au pair. Her long life has spanned two world wars and countless changes in history.

She even survived COVID-19 in 2020, and when she turned 116, she received a special birthday message from João Marinho Neto of Brazil, born in 1912, who is recognized as the world’s oldest living man.