Most of today's children are unlikely to live to 100, analysis says

A recent analysis by gerontologist Jay Olshansky reveals that most children born today are unlikely to live to 100 years old. The study, published in the journal Nature Aging, indicates that only 5.1% of female children and 1.8% of male children born in 2019 across several countries, including the U.S. and Japan, will reach their centenary. Olshansky argues that the era of rapid increases in life expectancy has ended, attributing this to the immutable nature of aging and the rise of obesity-related diseases. He emphasizes that while medical advancements have extended life expectancy, they have not significantly altered the biological aging process. The analysis suggests that the focus should shift from merely extending lifespan to enhancing health span, which refers to the period of life spent in good health. Olshansky warns against the misconception that humans will soon live to 120 or 150 years, stating that such claims lack empirical support. He advocates for a more cautious approach to longevity research, emphasizing the need to address the biological mechanisms of aging rather than just treating individual diseases.

- Most children born today have a low probability of living to 100.

- The era of rapid life expectancy increases is considered over.

- Focus should be on enhancing health span rather than just lifespan.

- Obesity and related diseases are significant factors in declining longevity.

- Claims of extreme life extension lack empirical evidence.