For over a century people have been living longer thanks to major advances in medicine and researchers learning more about healthier lifestyles. However, new data suggests that this growth in life expectancy may finally be slowing down.
While life expectancy nearly doubled in the 19th and 20th centuries, experts say that the pace has slowed down in the last 30 years.
The lead author of the study, S. Jay Olshansky from the University of Illinois, Chicago School of Public Health, explains that most of the extended life seen today is a result of modern medicine, what he calls “manufactured time.”
Olshansky argued that simply adding more years to life expectancy may not be the best approach. Instead, the focus should shift to increasing the number of years spent in good health.
The study published in Nature Aging, reveals that in regions with the highest life expectancies, like Japan and Switzerland, gains have been far smaller than expected since 1990. In fact, life expectancy in the U.S. has notably declined.
Scientists warn that without slowing the biological aging process, radical life extension could be unrealistic. The study further says that at best, 15% of females and just 5% of males might live to 100 in most countries.
While medical advances continue, the real focus needs to be on helping people live healthier lives as they age.
