In this episode, Dr. Gil Blander speaks with Dr. Jay Olshansky, professor at the University of Illinois at Chicago and a leading voice in biodemography and ageing science. Dr. Olshansky explores the limits of human longevity, what science tells us about ageing, and why realistic expectations matter in the quest for a longer, healthier life.

Key Points:

This episode challenges common myths about human lifespan and emphasizes the power of personal and public health decisions in extending quality life. While ageing remains the main barrier to radical longevity, science-backed choices can still help us live longer, better.

•  Life Expectancy- Why It Leapt, Then Slowed: Dramatic increases in early 20th-century life expectancy were driven by reduced infant mortality and infectious diseases—not by slowing ageing. Today, gains in lifespan are much smaller and harder to achieve.
• Ageing as the Core Barrier: Even if we cure all major diseases, life expectancy only increases by a few years. The real limit is the biological ageing process, which remains largely unaltered by current medicine.
• Myth-Busting Radical Life Extension: Dr. Olshansky warns against hype: raising average life expectancy to 100 would require an 85% drop in death rates at all ages—something biologically implausible with today’s tools.
• Inequality and Longevity Gaps: In the U.S., disparities in access to health care, nutrition, and education lead to lifespan gaps of over 10–15 years—even within the same city.
• Personal Action Still Matters: While we may not live to 150, individuals can still dramatically improve healthspan by avoiding harmful behaviors, staying physically active, and following evidence-based health practices.
• Monitor, Modify, and Move: Dr. Olshansky emphasizes the value of regular health monitoring, exercise, and behavior change over pills. Movement—even small, consistent effort—can slow physical decline and protect cognitive function.
• Longevity as Health, Not Just Years: His top tip: focus on quality of life, not just quantity. Living well—pain-free and independently—is a more meaningful goal than hitting extreme ages.