Is it possible for humans to live as long as 150 years—not merely survive, but remain healthy and functional? The idea has long hovered at the edge of scientific debate. In fact, the journal Nature has previously described it as a “fantastical idea.” Yet rapid advances in ageing research have reignited the conversation, raising a crucial question: are we extending life, or simply prolonging decline?
What Science Says About Human Longevity
A Nature study examining mortality trends found that while lifespan increased significantly throughout the 20th century, it remains unclear whether such gains will continue at the same pace in the 21st century.
Adding fuel to the debate, Steve Horvath, a leading ageing researcher and creator of the epigenetic biological clock—commonly known as the Horvath Clock—recently told Time magazine that humans may eventually live up to 150 years, driven by breakthroughs in anti-ageing science.
Horvath’s work focuses on ageing at a cellular level, using DNA methylation—chemical modifications that regulate gene expression—to estimate a person’s biological age across different tissues. This method allows scientists to assess how fast the body is ageing, regardless of chronological age, and to test whether interventions can slow that process.
What Do Epigenetic Clocks Really Tell Us?
Speaking to NDTV, Mugdha Pradhan, Functional Nutritionist and CEO & Founder of Pune-based health platform iThrive, explained that epigenetic clocks analyse DNA methylation patterns to understand how biological ageing may differ from calendar age.
“From a research standpoint, the variables have been set thoughtfully, and DNA methylation is indeed a meaningful marker when it comes to ageing and longevity,” she said.
However, Pradhan cautioned that methylation is only one piece of a much larger puzzle. Lifespan and health are influenced by numerous factors, including gut health, nutrient status, inflammation, chronic stress, sleep quality, environmental toxins, and overall lifestyle.
“The research pointing toward a 150-year lifespan offers direction, not a definitive prediction,” she added. “It helps us understand ageing better, but it doesn’t guarantee how long an individual will live.”
Are We Adding Years to Life—or Life to Years?
Modern medicine has already extended human lifespan through technologies such as ventilators, dialysis, pacemakers, and long-term medication. But these advances have also sparked concern that healthspan—the years lived in good health—has not kept pace.
“In many cases, we are increasing lifespan while shrinking healthspan,” said Dr Anshul Singh, Team Leader, Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, Artemis Hospitals.
He explained that the real goal of longevity science is not just survival, but prolonged independence, mobility, mental clarity, and resistance to disease.
“Extra years only matter if they come with energy, functionality, and quality of life,” Dr Singh said.
Redefining What Longevity Means
Pradhan echoed this view, stressing that true longevity should not mean being kept alive by machines.
“It should mean staying mobile, mentally sharp, emotionally balanced, and independent well into later decades,” she said. “Living to 100 only makes sense if those years are lived with purpose, contribution, and vitality.”
She also highlighted the ethical and social dimensions of extended life.
“Longevity comes with responsibility—to our bodies, our minds, and the planet. A longer life without meaning or compassion is not progress. Real longevity is about staying alive well, and using those extra years to do something that truly matters.”
Can We Trust Longevity ‘Clocks’?
Despite their promise, experts caution against treating biological clocks as guarantees.
“The honest answer is that we can’t know with absolute certainty,” Pradhan said. “These clocks are predictive models, not destiny. They work on probability, not promises.”
If a person maintains low inflammation, efficient organ function, preserved muscle mass, and strong cellular repair over time, there may be no immediate biological reason for failure—but sustaining that state consistently is the challenge.
According to experts, reaching a 150-year lifespan would require major breakthroughs in regenerative medicine, gene therapy, and cellular repair, along with years of rigorous testing.
“This kind of longevity is theoretically possible,” Dr Singh said, “but only through sustained scientific progress—not sudden miracles.”