A new study published in Nature Ageing indicates that while life expectancy has nearly doubled over the past century, the rate of improvement has significantly slowed in the last three decades. This trend follows dramatic increases in longevity during the 19th and 20th centuries, primarily attributed to healthier diets and advancements in medicine.
Researchers have found that rather than striving for radical extensions of life, there may be greater potential in enhancing the quality of life for older individuals. The study suggests it may be overly optimistic to expect 15% of females and 5% of males to reach the age of 100 in most countries within this century. Furthermore, if the biological processes of aging cannot be effectively slowed, the prospect of significant human life extension appears unlikely.
Despite advancements in medicine and public health, life expectancy in the world’s longest-living populations has only increased by an average of six and a half years since 1990. Lead author S. Jay Olshansky from the University of Illinois Chicago commented, “Most people alive today at older ages are living on time that was manufactured by medicine. We should now shift our focus to efforts that slow aging and extend healthspan.”
This report aligns with findings from a separate study conducted by researchers at University College London and the University of Oxford, which revealed that baby boomers are living longer but experiencing poorer health than previous generations. Individuals in their 50s and 60s today are more likely to encounter serious health issues, including cancer, lung disease, heart problems, diabetes, and high cholesterol, compared to those born during or before World War II.
As life expectancy gains continue to slow, experts emphasize the importance of focusing on healthspan—the period during which individuals remain healthy and free from serious disease. With an increasing number of people facing the downsides of aging, enhancing the quality of life in older age could take precedence over simply extending lifespan.
The studies highlight a crucial shift in public health priorities, advocating for a concerted effort to address age-related health issues while continuing to promote advancements in medical care and healthy lifestyles.