Carlos Omar López López, a doctor and academic at the Institute of Applied Research and Technology (InIAT) of Ibero-American University in Mexico City, discusses the profound impact of technological advances on human life expectancy. In the early 20th century, the average life expectancy was only between 35 and 45 years, while today, it exceeds 80 years in many developed countries. In Mexico, the average life expectancy is around 75 years, with women typically living longer than men, reflecting a global trend towards greater longevity.

The article emphasizes that these changes in how we live and die result from advancements in medical science and public health. Key factors contributing to increased life spans include improved preventive medicine, the discovery of antibiotics, better nutrition, universal access to clean drinking water, and enhanced healthcare systems. These developments illustrate the significant role that health interventions and technological innovations play in extending human life.

The implications of this increase in life expectancy are profound, shifting the focus not only to how long people live but also to the quality of life in later years. As populations age, society must adapt to changing demographic realities, ensuring that healthcare systems can support longer lives and addressing the challenges and opportunities that come with an aging population.