Declaring 'Victory' in the Pursuit of Human Longevity

The authors reviewed historical records on life expectancy, meaning the average number of years people live, and deaths in long-lived countries. No people were enrolled, because this was an analysis and discussion of existing population data. They found that average lifespans have risen greatly, but recent gains have slowed. They argued that reaching much longer lifespans will probably require major medical breakthroughs, not just current treatments.

What this means for you: This does not support buying a supplement, drug, or treatment marketed to dramatically extend life. It is a reason to be cautious about claims that humans are close to extreme longevity, while continuing proven habits that reduce everyday health risks.