Expert statisticians from Tilburg and Erasmus universities in Rotterdam teamed up to analyse a huge dataset, one which recorded the exact age at death for around 75,000 Dutch individuals.
They wanted to figure out what the maximum age for life would be – not what the average lifespan of its individuals were. Considering that the data stretched over three modern decades, it was able to provide a solid foundation for the researchers’ claims.
After sorting and investigating the data, the experts believe that the maximum age limit for women sits at around 115.7 years. For males, the age ceiling sits slightly below at 114.1 years.
‘On average, people live longer, but the very oldest among us have not gotten older over the last thirty years,’ said Professor John Einmahl, one of the leading scientists behind the study.
In other words, there may be a lot more people in society reaching beyond the age of 100 – but it is almost impossible for them to surpass a certain point. They called this the age ‘wall’.
Of course, there will always be someone who – by chance – makes us question what we believe to be true.
Take, the oldest person to ever live: Jeanne Calment. Livin in France, she reached the age of 122 years and 164 days.
There are also people who are purposely making every attempt to live ‘forever’. Bryan Johnson, a 46-year-old tech entrepreneur who is living according to an algorithmically calculated life-extension plan, believes he will do so.
In contemplating the road ahead, inquiries inspired by studies of this nature transcend mere numerical data.
They evoke profound reflections on the intricacies of the human experience, the essence of our being, and the intricate interplay between the world around us and our well-being.
While the limits of existence may appear fixed, the discourse surrounding the potential of humanity – and its desire to keep on living – remains endlessly open.