It's projected by the end of this century the average life span will be 100 years, scientists are studying what causes this, and how living longer will affect humankind as a whole.

Throughout history humans have progressively led longer lives. It's projected that as time goes on, many of us will reach the 100 year milestone.

Since the dawn of man, humans were only expected to live a short amount of time. Anyone who reached 40 was considered blessed.

Once the 19th century hit, people began living longer. In Sweden the average life expectancy at birth has grown by about three months each year since 1840, and the US is on a similar track.

It's believed that by the end of this century, the average American life span will be 100 years.

The Buck Institute in California is devoted to studying how to prolong human life. Some American universities and the Mayo Clinic have also followed suit.

Just like vaccinations and antibiotics in previous generations, drugs that prolong life are the new focus for studies.

Despite ongoing research and clinical studies, researchers have been unable to pinpoint a single correlation between good health and the elderly as their diets and lifestyles vary greatly. A professor at Columbia University says the single judge of a long-life is how much education a person received.

One study shows that centenarians are more likely to die from pneumonia or frailty instead of cancer or another disease.

Since that's the case, medical interventions aren't looking to solely prolong life, they want to enhance it so those who reach 100 do so happily and gracefully.

The effects living longer will have on society and the world is yet to be seen. Ideally, old age would no longer be a thing feared or ridiculed, but instead, revered and enjoyed.