In the world of Middle-earth, the lifespan of elves is much longer than that of humans. The average lifespan of an elf is approximately 700 years, although some elves can live much longer. The longevity of elves is attributed to their immortality, which means they do not age in the same way as humans do. Instead, elves go through a physical transformation called "elven rejuvenation," which results in a perpetual youthful appearance. This means that elves can live for centuries and still retain their youthful appearance.