Lifespan

DELebensspanne

Lifespan is the total length of time an organism lives, from birth to death, usually expressed in years for humans. At the population level, it is summarized by life expectancy, at birth or at a given age. Maximum lifespan is the longest documented age reached within a species; for humans, that is around 122 years. Your lifespan is influenced by genetics, environment, behavior, and access to medical care. And it is a classic outcome in longevity research.

Last reviewed: June 22, 2026

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Sources

Kenyon C, Chang J, Gensch E, Rudner A, Tabtiang R. (1993). A C. elegans mutant that lives twice as long as wild type. *Nature*doi:10.1038/366461a0

Related studies from the research library

A Tiny RNA Fragment May Be Key to How Fasting Extends LifespanEvidence: Preliminary
Why 17α-Estradiol Extends Lifespan in Male Mice but Not FemalesEvidence: Preliminary
Stress Response Trade-Off: Less ATF4 Activity May Extend Lifespan in FliesEvidence: Preliminary