This slowdown may be attributed to the limits of past healthcare and environmental advancements, combined with the biological realities of aging.

While Olshansky acknowledges the potential for humans to live into their 100s, he warns that without significant breakthroughs in aging research, this won't happen soon.

He advocates for a shift in focus from merely extending lifespan to enhancing 'healthspan,' the duration of healthy living, to avoid frailty and disease in later years.

The study emphasizes the need for increased investment in geroscience, which studies the biology of aging, to improve quality of life in older age.

A recent study led by S. Jay Olshansky from the University of Illinois-Chicago suggests that humans may be reaching a biological limit on average life expectancy.

Olshansky describes the current situation as a 'glass ceiling' on longevity, suggesting that while there is potential for improvement through healthier lifestyles, biological limits remain.

The 20th century experienced significant increases in life expectancy, averaging three additional years per decade, but this trend has notably slowed in recent years.

Olshansky notes that the impact of previous public health interventions and medical innovations is nearing its maximum potential.

Factors contributing to stagnation in life expectancy in the U.S. include drug overdoses, violence, obesity, and healthcare inequities.

Ultimately, the study underscores the importance of setting realistic expectations about aging and focusing on making the years we have as healthy as possible.

To realistically achieve claims of living to 100 and beyond, life expectancy would need to increase significantly, which current trends do not support.

Olshansky's earlier predictions from 1990 about a potential life expectancy ceiling of around 85 years are supported by the new findings.