Could Human Lifespan Reach 150 Years?

A recent dialogue on "life extension" between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese leader Xi Jinping, which made headlines in the world press some time ago, has revived discussions about whether human lifespan could actually extend to as much as 150 years.

Prof. Dr. Kaan Yılancıoğlu, Head of the Biosecurity Division at Üsküdar University Institute of Addiction and Forensic Sciences, Molecular Biology and Genetics Specialist, stated that extending human lifespan to 150 years could become possible in Asian countries before the West.

"Regulations in the West are very strict, while scientific experiments proceed more flexibly in Asia. The first genetically modified humans were born in China. For this reason, the 150-year lifespan goal could first be achieved in countries like China."

Human Lifespan Nearly Doubled in 70 Years
Yılancıoğlu emphasized that a significant increase in human lifespan has occurred over the past 70 years, stating:

"Since the 1950s, average life expectancy has risen from the 50s to the 80s. Given organ durability and biotechnological advances, there is scientific evidence showing that human lifespan could extend to as much as 150 years."

Noting that organ transplants have played an important role in extending lifespan to date, Yılancıoğlu said that the permanent solution lies in genetic engineering and cellular renewal technologies.

"Long Life Matters Less Than Healthy Life"
Prof. Dr. Yılancıoğlu, expressing that longevity research now targets not only lifespan but also quality of life, stated:

"Longevity—long but quality life—is increasingly gaining importance. Now the issue is not just aging; it is healthy aging while protecting heart, brain and cell health. There are even individuals who have made themselves test subjects in this field. Brian Johnson monitors his body by conducting over 2,000 tests every day."

From Organ Transplants to Genetic Renewal
Yılancıoğlu noted that in the future, individuals will enter a phase of producing organs from their own stem cells:

"With IPS technologies, it becomes possible to produce organs from an individual's own cells. This way, instead of receiving someone else's organ, we will be able to regenerate our own organs."

Yılancıoğlu also said that work on transplanting organs from genetically modified animals is advancing rapidly, stating: "Proteins that the human immune system rejects have been genetically deleted from pigs. These organs will soon be able to be transplanted into humans."

150-Year Lifespan 50 Years Away
Yılancıoğlu, noting that extending human lifespan to 150 years could become possible not by 2030, but within the next 50 years:

"2030 is too soon. However, children born today will witness these developments. While our generation's limit may be around 100 years, the new generation could see 150 years."

Genetic Revolution Coming Fast, Health Approval Process Slow
Prof. Dr. Yılancıoğlu, emphasizing that gene-editing technologies like CRISPR and Prime Editing will open new ground in extending human lifespan, also noted that regulations in healthcare are slowing progress:

"We can repair faulty genes, but it takes 5–15 years for a treatment to move into clinical application. Artificial intelligence is developing rapidly because there is no regulation. However, progress in healthcare occurs more slowly due to ethical principles and approval procedures."

"150 Years Could First Be Seen in China"
Yılancıoğlu, drawing attention to the "life extension" dialogue between Putin and Xi as not merely a conversation but a biotechnological message, stated: "Biotechnology will develop faster in Asia. The West will fall behind due to ethical and legal constraints."