People could realistically expect to live to 120 at some point in the future, Luke O’Neill has predicted. 

According to the UN, children born in Ireland today can expect to live comfortably into their mid 90s. 

While that may sound impressive, babies born in Hong Kong will live to 100 on average. 

It is all a stark contrast to the brief, often ill, lives our ancestors endured for most of humanity’s existence. 

“In the 18th century, 30 years of age was the average [age of] death,” Professor O’Neill told The Pat Kenny Show.  

“It’s 73 now globally. 

“What that means is medical science has more than doubled our lifespans since the 18th century because they were dying of infections back then. 

“It’s vaccines and antibiotics are keeping people alive… It’s a big achievement.” 

The Trinity Professor continued that living until the age of 120 is not just possible, but “wouldn’t be unreasonable” for a many people at some point in the future. 

“If we all had the lifestyle and various things - that would be the limit,” he explained. 

“We know that certain people have lived to be 122; there’s a French woman Jeanne Calment who lived to 122. 

“So, that might be the ultimate lifespan that we could expect.” 

Jeanne Calment in her old age. Picture by: AP Photo/Florian Launette.

While habits such as not smoking, regularly exercising and limiting alcohol are key to living a long and healthy life, Professor O’Neill added there are other factors beyond a person’s control. 

“The problem is, it’s probably genetic as well,” she said. 

“If you’re born with the wrong genes, no matter what you do, you might live shorter than someone else. 

“And we’re trying to figure out the balance between the genetic aspects and the more environmental.” 

Pensioners out for a walk. Picture by: Alamy.com.

Professor O’Neill added that there are now a significant number of tech bros who are “really interested in longevity”, which might hasten research in the area. 

He gave the example of Peter Thiel of PayPal.  

“He’s on record as saying death is unnatural,” Professor O’Neill said. 

“He thinks death should be something that we can conquer - that’s a bit ambitious. 

“He’s investing in a company called the Methuselah Foundation named after the Biblical figure. 

“Their goal is to make 90 the new 50.”

Main image: Luke O'Neill and a pensioner. Pictures by: Newstalk and Alamy.com.