Longevity is advancing slowly but steadily. Hentry Kissinger (RIP) has recently died at 100. Many people in the world (especially in Japan) died at a similar age, even a few years beyond that.
According to science, the average person's DNA is programmed to about 120 years.
The Bible mentions 120 in Genesis 6:3. In Hebrew there's a blessing which says " May you live until 120" ( ad meah ve essrim!).
According to Wikipedia , the french woman Jeanne Calment (1875-1997) is the oldest documented person who ever lived. She made it to 122 despite smoking everyday for 96 years. She lived on her own until age 110 when she moved into a nursing home. Amazing!
Following , are two women aged 119: the american Sara Knauss and the japanese Kane Tanaka ; both died in 2022. Kane Tanaka had several major ilnesses during her life including cancer at 45, and at 103; underwent surgery, and.. survived.
We think we know and understand the secret of longevity. We don't. It's very complex; it involves luck, genetics, wisdom, health care, diet , life style, character. In Kissinger's case, he had a younger and very intelligent wife; that must have helped his longevity too:)
The important part in any research on longevity is expanding the health span rather than life span. If the consequence is a longer life then, that's a nice bonus.