September 10, 2025 — A new study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) warns that life expectancy gains are slowing down in high-income countries, signaling a shift from the steady improvements seen in past decades.
Researchers used several long-term forecasting models to examine demographic trends across developed nations. The findings suggest that Millennials (born 1980–1996) and Gen Z (born 1997–early 2000s) are less likely to reach the age of 100 compared to projections made for earlier generations.
This slowdown contrasts with the optimism of the early 2000s, when scientists predicted a surge in the number of centenarians. Experts point to factors such as rising obesity rates, chronic illnesses, climate-related health risks, and widening socioeconomic inequalities as potential drivers behind the stagnation.
While advances in medical technology and healthcare access have extended lives in the past, the study stresses that policy changes, healthier lifestyles, and preventive medicine will be critical to reversing this trend. Without such efforts, the dream of routinely living to 100 may remain out of reach for today’s younger generations