Why Lifespan Can’t Be Measured
The limits of biomarkers and what they actually reveal about healthy aging
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The idea is tempting: A few measurements, a test, a key figure — and you can tell how long a person will live. Articles about alleged “life-span biomarkers” address precisely this desire for safety and control. Scientifically, however, this promise does not stand up. And this is precisely an important, often overlooked insight.
Lifetime is not a measurement value
The human lifespan is not a fixed biological value that can be determined in the same way as blood pressure or cholesterol. It results from the interplay of many factors: genetics, environment, lifestyle, social inclusion, chance and medical care. No single marker — nor a combination of a few markers — can reliably predict this process.
What are often referred to as “lifespan biomarkers” are in fact risk markers or functional indicators. They describe the current state of an organism, not its future.
What these markers really show
Grip strength, walking speed or certain inflammation levels are considered well-studied because they reflect something very concrete: functional reserve. They show how resilient a person is at the moment, how well muscles, nervous system and metabolism work together.
That makes them valuable — but not as oracles. They don't say How long someone will live but How well the body can currently deal with demands.
Association is not a prediction
A common mistake in thinking lies in confusing connection and prognosis. If people with low walking speed die statistically earlier, that does not mean that their lifespan could be calculated from the walking speed of an individual person.
Such markers work at the population level, not at the individual level. They help identify risks — not determine fates.
Why this blur is an advantage
The fact that lifespan cannot be measured is not a weakness of science, but good news. This is because most of these markers can be changed. Muscle strength can be built up, mobility improved, and inflammatory processes influenced. This is precisely where its real value lies.
If these markers were actually predictions, there would be little room for manoeuvre. As a guideline for the current situation, however, they open up options: for prevention, adaptation and targeted support.
The actual focus: not lifespan, but quality of life
The fixation on the question “How long will I live?” distracts from the essentials. It is not the maximum lifespan that is relevant, but the Quality over the yearsthat are lived. Functioning, independence, mental clarity and social inclusion cannot be summarized in one number — but they can be influenced.
Conclusion
No one can measure their lifespan. And no one should try. Markers can provide clues as to where a body needs support, not where a life is necessarily heading. Anyone who understands it in this way uses it sensibly — as an orientation, not as a forecast.
Healthy aging is not the result of predictions, but through room for manoeuvre.
References
Publiziert
24.1.2026
Kategorie
Longevity
Experte
Scientific Terms
Biomarkers
A specific substance, physical characteristic, gene, etc. that can be measured to indicate the presence or progress of a disease.
Biological Age
Biological age is the age of cells in the body, which is determined by various properties and biomarkers that correlate with aging and decay in research.
The idea is tempting: A few measurements, a test, a key figure — and you can tell how long a person will live. Articles about alleged “life-span biomarkers” address precisely this desire for safety and control. Scientifically, however, this promise does not stand up. And this is precisely an important, often overlooked insight.
Lifetime is not a measurement value
The human lifespan is not a fixed biological value that can be determined in the same way as blood pressure or cholesterol. It results from the interplay of many factors: genetics, environment, lifestyle, social inclusion, chance and medical care. No single marker — nor a combination of a few markers — can reliably predict this process.
What are often referred to as “lifespan biomarkers” are in fact risk markers or functional indicators. They describe the current state of an organism, not its future.
What these markers really show
Grip strength, walking speed or certain inflammation levels are considered well-studied because they reflect something very concrete: functional reserve. They show how resilient a person is at the moment, how well muscles, nervous system and metabolism work together.
That makes them valuable — but not as oracles. They don't say How long someone will live but How well the body can currently deal with demands.
Association is not a prediction
A common mistake in thinking lies in confusing connection and prognosis. If people with low walking speed die statistically earlier, that does not mean that their lifespan could be calculated from the walking speed of an individual person.
Such markers work at the population level, not at the individual level. They help identify risks — not determine fates.
Why this blur is an advantage
The fact that lifespan cannot be measured is not a weakness of science, but good news. This is because most of these markers can be changed. Muscle strength can be built up, mobility improved, and inflammatory processes influenced. This is precisely where its real value lies.
If these markers were actually predictions, there would be little room for manoeuvre. As a guideline for the current situation, however, they open up options: for prevention, adaptation and targeted support.
The actual focus: not lifespan, but quality of life
The fixation on the question “How long will I live?” distracts from the essentials. It is not the maximum lifespan that is relevant, but the Quality over the yearsthat are lived. Functioning, independence, mental clarity and social inclusion cannot be summarized in one number — but they can be influenced.
Conclusion
No one can measure their lifespan. And no one should try. Markers can provide clues as to where a body needs support, not where a life is necessarily heading. Anyone who understands it in this way uses it sensibly — as an orientation, not as a forecast.
Healthy aging is not the result of predictions, but through room for manoeuvre.
Referenzen
Publiziert
24.1.2026
Kategorie
Longevity
Wissenschaftliche Begriffe
Biomarkers
A specific substance, physical characteristic, gene, etc. that can be measured to indicate the presence or progress of a disease.
Biological Age
Biological age is the age of cells in the body, which is determined by various properties and biomarkers that correlate with aging and decay in research.
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