The official record for a human life stands at 120 years and 237 days. The majority, of course, will not make the century, but life expectancy is rising; a young man today can look forward to reaching 73, a young woman to around 80. Will this trend continue, or is there a limit beyond which humans are not made to last? Georgina
Ferry examines this question, in the light of the latest biological ideas about ageing, and discovers from scientists, doctors and the elderly if there is anything people can do to give themselves the best chance of surviving to have a healthy old age.
Producer DEBORAH COHEN