What do scientists theorize is the oldest possible age a human could live?

Hello top19,

There does not appear to be a consensus among scientists as to the
oldest possible age that a human could live.  To illustrate the stark
differences among scientists, here are two opposed views:

- Robert Mitchell, professor of biology at Penn State: "As far as
maximum lifespan goes, we suspect it's around 125 years. There's no
evidence that humans can live any longer than that."

"Time, longevity, and human aging"
The Pennsylvania State University
http://www.rps.psu.edu/time/humans.html

- "There is no scientific basis on which to estimate a fixed upper
limit. Whether 115 or 120 years, it is a legend created by scientists
who are quoting each other."

"'No limit' to human life span"
BBC News
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/946452.stm

For more about views on this subject, see:

"Indefinite lifespan"
Wikipedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indefinite_lifespan

"Engineered negligible senescence"
Wikipedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Engineered_negligible_senescence

"Maximum life span
Wikipedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maximum_life_span

Please let me know if you need clarification of this answer.

- justaskscott


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