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From ancient times, people have always tried to find way to lived longer. In many societies, attempts were made to invent some wonder drug that would make a person live forever. They have all failed. However, it is an undisputed fact that the average span - a statistical number - has increased dramatically over the last few centuries. The three causes most often cited for this increased longevity are nutrition, sanitation, and medicine.
First, we all know the malnourished infants tend to get sick more easily. Without adequate nutrition, many children never reach adulthood. Moreover, in agricultural societies, famine and the lack of water can lead to deaths in adults. The Industrial Revolution brought us new agricultural technologies which increased food production, providing more nourishment for children and adults.This contributed significantly to the lengthening of the average human life.
Second, unclean conditions lead to diseases and early death. Bacteria, quite harmful to humans, thrive in environments with discarded garbage and raw sewage. To thwart bacteria, modern societies now use flush toilets to help dispose of waste. In addition, communities set up sanitation departments to make sure garbage and sewage is safely removed and processed. Better sanitation leads to fewer pathogens, which obviously helps lengthen human life.
Finally, modern medicine has helped treat and even prevent many diseases. For example, penicillin and other antibiotics have helped stem infections. Modern societies have harnessed new drugs and techniques, as well as building clean hospitals to provide efficient care to sick people. Every life saved this way increased the average life span of a society.
There may be other factors that cause increased life expectancy, but I think the above three are the chief ones. One day, if scientists can figure out how to slow the aging process using genetic or other technologies, I am sure the average life span will get another huge boost.