Jakarta, ThedailyID — Scientists say humans may live far longer than current life expectancy, but biology still sets a hard limit.
A new study published in NPJ Aging estimates that people could live between 146 and 194 years if researchers successfully slow most aging processes. However, one major obstacle remains: somatic mutations.
These mutations are natural genetic changes that build up in body cells over time. They gradually damage tissues and increase the risk of diseases such as cancer.
Why Do Humans Age?
Aging remains one of science’s biggest mysteries. Researchers continue to investigate what drives the process.
A 2023 study published in Cell identified 12 hallmarks of biological aging. They include genetic mutations during cell division, declining protein maintenance, and reduced mitochondrial function.
Some aging mechanisms may be slowed. For example, researchers have explored ways to delay the shortening of telomeres, the protective caps at the ends of chromosomes.
However, scientists have not developed a treatment that completely stops aging.
Somatic Mutations May Set the Limit
The latest study identifies somatic mutations as the main factor limiting human lifespan.
These mutations occur naturally whenever body cells divide. They affect nearly every cell except sperm and egg cells.
Many mutations cause little harm. Others disrupt cell function, trigger cell death, or increase cancer risk.
Researchers believe these mutations accumulate throughout life. As they build up, organs gradually lose function.
Jeremy Clerc of NYU Grossman School of Medicine, who was not involved in the study, said people in their 80s may carry thousands of somatic mutations in each cell.
“The body has no mechanism to repair genetic damage once it becomes embedded in the cell’s genome,” he said.
Could Humans Really Live for 194 Years?
Researchers used mathematical models to estimate how somatic mutations affect lifespan.
The model suggested humans could live between 146 and 194 years if scientists eliminated every aging process except somatic mutations.
That estimate is nearly double today’s global life expectancy of about 79 years. However, it still falls far short of immortality.
The researchers also modeled a hypothetical world without any aging processes, including somatic mutations. Under those unrealistic conditions, average lifespan could reach 1,759 years, with a maximum approaching 30,000 years.
They stressed that this scenario is impossible with current science.
The Heart and Brain Age Faster
The study also found that organs do not age at the same rate.
Liver cells regenerate more effectively and could theoretically survive for more than 100,000 years if no other aging factors existed.
Heart muscle cells and brain neurons are much more vulnerable. These cells rarely regenerate after damage.
Because of that, researchers described the heart and brain as the body’s critical lifespan bottlenecks.
Healthy Habits Still Matter Most
Despite advances in anti-aging research, experts say everyday habits remain the best way to extend healthy life.
Researchers recommend avoiding smoking, exercising regularly, eating a balanced whole-food diet, sleeping well, maintaining strong social connections, and attending routine health checkups.
They estimate these habits could add 10 to 20 healthy years to a person’s life.
