Someone has asked artificial intelligence if it would be possible for a human to live until 140 – and the answer is interesting.
As science and modern medicine reaches new highs, the question about whether or not humans are able to extend their lifespan has become an increasingly popular one.
From biohackers such as Bryan Johnson and Dave Asprey to a collective fascination with the concept of 'Blue Zones', it's pretty fair to say that not dying is a pretty universal fascination for a lot of people.
And for pretty understandable reasons as well.
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The average age of death for Brits is currently 78 and 82 for men and women respectively, while the maximum theoretical lifespan for the human body in its current state is believed to be roughly 120 to 150 years.
Meanwhile, the verified longest living person is French woman Jeanne Calment, who lived for a whopping 122 years and 164 days.
So you want to beat Calment's record or make it close to the upper limit of the human lifespan?
You're not the only one, with someone on Instagram recently posing the question to artificial intelligence – and the answer was enlightening.
Of course, AI isn't an internet-era oracle, but after analysing available data about history's supercentenarians, it came to rather enlightening (or worrying) conclusion.
What did AI say is responsible for people not living long?
It said that stress, particularly chronic stress, is overlooked as a major factor in reducing a person's lifespan.
Which is just great.
According to the response received by the curious user, chronic stress leaves your body in 'survival' mode 24/7.
Of course, you're unlikely to find stress listed as the primary cause of death for a person, however, the idea that stress had physically damage your body is not an unknown one.
What does stress really do to the body?
According to the NHS, physical symptoms of stress include headaches, dizziness, digestive problems, chest pain and a rapid heartbeat. If this is something you're experiencing over an extended period of time then its likely to put extra strain on your body.
There are also concerns about prolonged elevated levels of stress hormone cortisol and cardiovascular disease, according to a Dutch study conducted in 2010.
This also makes sense when you factor in Calment's lifestyle, as she was reported to be a smoker who enjoyed foods such as chocolate and wine; however her laid back lifestyle allowed by her husband's wealth and stress-free mindset will have certainly made life more enjoyable.
Which means that while it's not currently possible to extend your lifespan indefinitely or banish any genetic diseases, a low stress life coupled with 'blue zone' philosophies such as moderate physical activity, a whole-food rich diet and prioritising your social needs will give you the best chances of reaching the upper end of the current human age limit.
Topics: Artificial Intelligence, Science, Technology, Health
Brenna Cooper