Somatic mutations may cap human life at ~190 years

A new NPJ Aging study uses a mathematical model to show that somatic mutations cap human lifespan around 146–194 years; without somatic mutations, the model would allow a median of about 1,759 years and a maximum near 29,921 years, but once mutations are included, immortality remains unlikely. The findings highlight neurons and heart cells as critical bottlenecks and suggest that realistic gains come from addressing these mutations or other aging hallmarks, while healthy lifestyle choices can still add healthy years.