By Heidi Borst – Forbes –
Human longevity has reached new heights. During the 20th century, lifespan in high-income countries increased by about 30 years due to public health and medicine advancements, according to a 2024 analysis in Nature Aging.[1] In the U.S., the average life expectancy climbed to 78.4 in 2023—75.8 for men and 81.1 for women, per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.[2]
Still, the analysis in Nature Aging suggests a dramatic increase in life expectancy is unlikely in the 21st century. Instead, strategies to slow down biological decline and improve quality of life in midlife and beyond are top of mind. Longevity researchers study the ways biological, environmental and lifestyle factors impact health span—the time you spend in good health—rather than just lifespan, which refers to how many years you live.
Biomarkers are used to gain information about an individual’s aging process, including their current health status and predisposition for diseases. Understanding a person’s future risk allows health care providers to recommend lifestyle and medical interventions that may slow down the biological aging process by improving overall wellness. Here are the top biomarkers that influence health span, according to experts.
