Humans can’t live beyond 150 years: Scientists expose the harsh reality

Even if you avoid major illnesses such as cancer, heart disease, or diabetes, science suggests that human life may have a

natural biological limit

. Recent research indicates that, regardless of lifestyle or overall health, the body’s resilience—its ability to recover from stress, injury, or cellular damage—gradually declines with age. This gradual loss of recovery capacity places a ceiling on lifespan, suggesting that humans may have a potential maximum life span somewhere between 120 and 150 years. While medical advancements and healthy living can extend life and improve quality, they cannot fully overcome the intrinsic aging processes built into our biology. Understanding this limit provides insight into the balance between longevity and the body’s natural decline.

Older people heal slower than younger adults; study reveals

A groundbreaking study published in Nature Communications explored how physiological resilience declines over time, regardless of an individual’s overall health. Researchers tracked key indicators like blood cell counts and daily physical activity, revealing that the body’s recovery mechanisms weaken gradually. The study, conducted by Timothy Pyrkov of Singapore-based biotech company Gero in collaboration with teams from Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center and other international institutions, highlights the natural constraints of human longevity.The researchers analyzed individuals across three age groups: early adulthood (16–35), middle age (35–65), and older adults (65 and above). They observed that both blood cell levels and physical activity remained relatively stable unless disrupted by health problems. However, over time, the body’s ability to fully recover from illnesses or injuries declined. While a younger adult could completely recover from a cold or heal minor injuries, older individuals may only regain about 95% of their prior health level. This steady erosion of resilience continues with age, gradually limiting the body’s ability to bounce back.

Why 120 to 150 years may be the maximum human lifespan

By plotting the recovery patterns across decades of life for all age cohorts, researchers identified the point at which the body can no longer fully recover from even minor health issues. This point appears to occur between 120 and 150 years, suggesting a hard biological ceiling for human life. The study concludes that the end of life is an intrinsic property of our biology, independent of external stress factors, marking a fundamental limit to longevity.

Blood cell counts and daily steps: Primary indicators

The study focused on two primary indicators: blood cell counts and step activity. Blood cell counts are well-established markers of health, with normal ranges varying by age and gender. For instance, a healthy red blood cell count ranges between 4.5 to 5.5 million cells per cubic millimeter for men and 4 to 5 million for women. Deviations from these ranges may indicate health problems such as anemia or bone marrow issues.Daily step counts, although more subjective, also reflect overall health. The benefits of walking tend to level off with age, with around 7,500 steps per day being optimal for older adults. According to Peter Fedichev, co-author of the study and Gero co-founder, the fact that both blood counts and step data forecast the same pattern of declining resilience underscores the reality of physiological aging.The study suggests that without medical interventions, such as organ replacements or advanced therapies, humans cannot naturally surpass this lifespan ceiling. Although 120 to 150 years exceeds the current average life expectancy, it aligns with historical records, including Jeanne Louise Calment, who lived to 122 years and 164 days—the longest confirmed human lifespan.Also Read | NASA warns! 100-foot asteroid 2025 QV9 hurtling toward Earth at over 10,000 mph on September 10; should we be concerned