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Updated: Jun 10, 2026
08:53
High-Throughput Behavioral Aging and Lifespan Assays Using the Lifespan Machine
Published on: January 26, 2024
Peering into the future of American longevity
S Jay Olshansky1, Douglas J Passaro, Ronald C Hershow
1School of Public Health, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA.
Discovery Medicine
|August 14, 2010
Summary
Human life expectancy has historically increased but is now slowing. Future gains depend on biomedical advances, impacting public policy and entitlement programs.
Area of Science:
- Demography
- Public Health
- Biomedical Science
Background:
- Human life expectancy showed a slow, steady increase over the past millennium, punctuated by disease, famine, and war.
- Significant reductions in mortality volatility occurred in the mid-19th century due to public health and medical advances.
- Recent decades show a deceleration in life expectancy gains in the U.S. and smaller increases at older ages.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the historical trends and future projections of human life expectancy.
- To discuss the implications of life expectancy trends on public policy, taxation, and social programs.
- To explore the potential impact of future biomedical technologies on extending human lifespan.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of historical demographic data on human life expectancy.
- Review of current trends in life expectancy at birth and older ages.
- Examination of predictions regarding future life expectancy increases.
Main Results:
- Life expectancy has historically risen but is currently decelerating in the United States.
- Gains in life expectancy at older ages have diminished compared to previous decades.
- Projections vary, with some anticipating dramatic increases fueled by biomedical technology.
Conclusions:
- The future trajectory of life expectancy is uncertain and has significant policy implications.
- Continued advances in biomedical technology are expected to be a primary driver of future life expectancy increases.
- Some predict mastery over aging, potentially extending human lifespan well beyond 100 years.
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