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Humans could theoretically live up to 156 years, study says

NewsNation • July 23, 2026 • health

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Scientists at the Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology modeled human lifespan assuming all aging factors except somatic mutations were eliminated, suggesting a potential maximum age far beyond current limits.
Somatic mutations, which are DNA changes in cells after conception, were found to reduce the theoretical non-aging median lifespan from 1,759 years to about 156 years, particularly affecting non-dividing cells like neurons and heart cells.
Tissues with proliferating cells, such as the liver, can maintain function for thousands of years by replacing cells, mitigating mutation effects and supporting longer lifespans.
The study predicts that integrated multi-organ function could extend median human lifespan to between 146 and 194 years, roughly double the current average human longevity.
Researchers conclude that while somatic mutations play a significant role in aging, other biological aging processes also contribute substantially to mortality.

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