Scientists discover the maximum human lifespan

The findings stem from a study conducted by statisticians at Tilburg and Rotterdam's Erasmus universities, analyzing the age at which 75,000 individuals in the Netherlands passed away over a 30-year period up to 2017.

Interestingly, rather than focusing on life expectancy, the researchers sought to ascertain the potential lifespan of an individual who maintains self-care and avoids illness or other adversities.

By considering the age at which participants in the study died, the researchers concluded that a person's maximum lifespan typically plateaus in their nineties, though it does not necessarily mean life ends there. The study suggested it is improbable for humans to surpass 115 years, with women having a slightly longer lifespan than men.

While the maximum lifespan for females peaked at 115.7 years, males were estimated to reach a maximum age of 114.1 years.

Commenting on the findings, Professor John Einmahl, one of the study's three scientists, told AFP: "On average, people live longer, but the very oldest among us have not aged over the last thirty years. There seems to be a barrier. Although average life expectancy has risen, the maximum limit itself remains unchanged."

Despite these findings, Einmahl acknowledged instances of individuals exceeding the suggested maximum lifespans.

The oldest man ever verified by Guinness World Records was Jiroemon Kimura, a Japanese man who lived to 116 years.

Early last year, French nun Sister André passed away at the remarkable age of 118. Following her death, Guinness World Records recognized US-born Maria Branyas Morera as the world's oldest living person, at 115.

In a 2019 interview, Morera attributed her longevity to "an orderly life that is socially very pleasant... a good life, without excesses." Morera was born in San Francisco, California, on March 4, 1907, and relocated to Catalonia in 1914.