Leading geneticists say humans will soon live to 150 years old, a dramatic increase in lifespan driven by breakthroughs in understanding and manipulating biological "clocks" within our bodies. This optimistic outlook comes from pioneers in longevity research who believe the science for significantly extending healthy human life is rapidly advancing.
Unlocking the Secrets of Aging with Biological Clocks
The core of this revolutionary prediction lies in biological aging clocks, sophisticated tools that measure a person's true biological age, which often differs from their chronological age. Steve Horvath, a geneticist and former UCLA professor, built the first widely used biological-age clock in the early 2010s. This invention was a major step for aging research because it gave scientists a way to quantify how much cells, tissues, and organs have aged.[time+2]
These clocks work by tracking DNA methylation, a natural chemical modification to DNA that changes over time. The patterns and quantity of these chemical tags in a person's genetic code can reveal their biological age. Horvath has developed several such clocks, including one called GrimAge, which he describes as the world's most accurate predictor of mortality risk. "It's named after the Grim Reaper," Horvath said, "It measures the probability that you will die in the next year".[time+9]
Horvath, now a principal investigator at Altos Labs, a biotech company focused on longevity, believes these precise measurement tools are crucial. "It's a quintessential tool to find interventions for rejuvenation," he stated, highlighting their importance for testing new anti-aging therapies in people. He expressed strong confidence in reaching a 150-year lifespan, telling Time, "I have no doubt it will happen, no question". While he once dreamed of humans living to 1,000 years, he now calls that "totally science fiction" and "not close at all".[time+5]
Harvard Expert Sees 150-Year Lifespan for Many
Another prominent figure in longevity research, Dr. David Sinclair, a Professor of Genetics at Harvard Medical School, shares this optimistic vision. Dr. Sinclair believes the first person to live to 150 years old has already been born. He suggests that cell and tissue rejuvenating technology could eventually double the human lifespan.[nad+1]
Dr. Sinclair predicts an age-reversing pill might be available within the next decade, potentially by 2035. He emphasized that "one day people will live to 150 in a healthy way". His research involves molecules like Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide (NAD), which plays a role in generating energy in the human body. Studies in mice using a vitamin B derivative pill related to NAD showed a 10 percent increase in lifespan and a reduction in age-related hair loss. Dr. Sinclair claims his own biological age has decreased by 24 years after taking such a molecule.[nad+4]
These advancements move beyond simply treating diseases associated with old age. Instead, they aim to slow down or even reverse the fundamental aging process itself. The ability to accurately measure biological age allows scientists to evaluate whether anti-aging treatments are truly effective.[samaa+2]
Distinguishing Biological from Chronological Age
It is important to understand the difference between chronological age and biological age. Chronological age is simply the number of years a person has lived since birth. Biological age, however, reflects the functional state of the body, its cells, tissues, and organs. It measures how "aged" the body is, based on molecular and physiological markers like DNA methylation.[bioethics+6]
Someone who is 60 years old chronologically might have a biological age of 50 due to a healthy lifestyle, genetics, and other factors. Conversely, a 60-year-old could have a biological age of 70 if their body has deteriorated faster. This distinction is critical because biological age is a stronger predictor of health outcomes and mortality risk than chronological age. Studies show that individuals whose biological age is higher than their chronological age face significantly increased risks of death.[news-medical+5]
Researchers at the University of California San Diego have also made strides in extending cellular longevity by genetically engineering a "smart aging process" in cells. This involves rewiring gene circuits that control cell aging, allowing cells to periodically switch between detrimental aged states and thus slowing degeneration. These advances have led to dramatically extended cellular lifespans in laboratory settings.[today+2]
Current Limits and Future Challenges
Despite the excitement, scientists also acknowledge significant challenges. The longest verified human lifespan belongs to Jeanne Calment of France, who lived to 122 years and 164 days, dying in 1997. No one has officially surpassed her record.[ladbible+5]
Some research suggests there might be a "soft cap" on human lifespan around 150 years. After this point, the body's cellular resilience, its ability to recover from damage and maintain optimal function, may completely give out. Current medical interventions primarily focus on treating age-related diseases as they arise, rather than preventing the underlying causes of aging. Extending life to 150 years would require a fundamental shift towards reversing the aging process at a cellular and molecular level.[ladbible+5]
While there are promising research results, there is currently no scientific proof that scientists can manipulate the biological process of aging in an entire human being to achieve such extreme longevity. The breakthrough treatment that can reverse the impact of aging on cells throughout our bodies is "not close at all" and still "totally science fiction" in terms of immediate availability, Horvath told UNILAD.[sdu+1]
Societal and Ethical Questions of Extreme Longevity
The prospect of vastly extended human lifespans also raises complex societal and ethical questions. If people live to 150 or beyond, societies will need to address issues like resource allocation, the sustainability of social systems such as pensions and healthcare, and potential intergenerational tensions.[pubmed+2]
There are also ethical considerations about the balance between the quantity and quality of life. While the goal is to extend healthy and vital life, it is crucial to ensure that additional years are enriching and not burdensome. These discussions will involve policymakers, bioethicists, and the public to navigate the profound implications of a much longer-living population.[medium+4]
The rapid pace of biomedical innovation suggests that drastic extensions of human lifespan are a real possibility. While the exact timeline remains uncertain, experts believe that continued research into biological clocks and anti-aging therapies will reshape human longevity in the coming century.
