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Human Life Span

From , former About.com Guide

Updated June 06, 2007

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Definition: The maximum number of years an individual from a given species can live. For humans, the current accepted maximum life span is 122 years achieved by Jeane Clament of France. There are claims to longer lives, but none have been acceptably documented.

Life span is different from life expectancy, which is the average number of years a person can expect to live. Closing the gap between life expectancy and life span can be done through healthier living, less exposure to toxins and the prevention of chronic illnesses.

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