Recent studies suggest that humans may be approaching a biological limit to longevity, with evidence pointing to a maximum lifespan of around 125 years12. This limit is attributed to several factors:

• Accumulated DNA damage appears to be a primary limiting factor in determining maximum lifespan3.

• The human body, while remarkable, was not designed for extended operation beyond its "warranty period"4.

• Mortality rates accelerate exponentially for individuals over 113 years old, indicating a biological ceiling5.

• Mathematical constraints inherent in survival curves suggest an inevitable plateau in maximum lifespan growth2.

Despite these apparent limits, researchers emphasize that there is still room for improvement in overall health and longevity through reducing risk factors, eliminating disparities, and promoting healthier lifestyles4. The focus is shifting towards extending "healthspan" - the number of years a person remains healthy - rather than solely increasing lifespan6.

Geroscience is an emerging field that aims to understand the biological mechanisms of aging and develop interventions to extend healthspan - the period of life spent in good health. Rather than focusing on individual age-related diseases, geroscience takes a holistic approach by targeting the fundamental processes of aging itself12. Key areas of research include:

• Studying cellular hallmarks of aging like senescent cells, inflammation, and metabolic changes3

• Developing "gerotherapeutics" to slow aging processes and delay multiple age-related conditions simultaneously24

• Investigating the biology of exceptionally long-lived individuals to uncover protective factors5

• Shifting focus from simply extending lifespan to improving overall healthspan and quality of life in later years67

While radical life extension remains unlikely in the near-term, geroscience research offers promise for helping more people stay healthier longer as they age. Experts argue this approach could have a greater impact on public health than curing any single disease14.

The impact of aging on healthspan is becoming a central focus in longevity research, as scientists recognize that extending lifespan without improving quality of life is not ideal. Healthspan, defined as the number of years lived in good health, often lags behind increases in overall life expectancy12. This gap is largely due to age-associated chronic conditions such as cancer, dementia, and heart disease, which can significantly reduce quality of life in later years3.

Key factors affecting healthspan include:

• Lifestyle choices: Exercise, diet, sleep, and social connections play crucial roles in maintaining health as we age23.

• Genetic factors: Certain genes influence longevity and healthspan across species1.

• Environmental factors: Poverty and socioeconomic disparities can lead to up to 20-year differences in healthy life expectancy2.

• Medical interventions: Emerging research in geroscience aims to develop therapies that target the aging process itself, potentially extending both lifespan and healthspan13.

As the global population ages, there is a growing emphasis on improving healthspan to ensure that increased longevity translates to more years of healthy, active living24.