According to Hindu mythology, how old was the sage Markandeya when Yama came to claim him?

According to Hindu mythology, the sage Markandeya was destined to live only until the age of sixteen when Yama came to claim him.

Markandeya’s parents were given a choice between a gifted son with a short life and an ordinary son with a long life. They chose the former. Markandeya devoted himself to Shiva, and when Yama arrived at the appointed age, the young sage embraced a Shiva linga for protection.

In many versions, Yama’s noose encircled the linga as well as Markandeya, provoking Shiva to appear and defeat or restrain Death. Shiva then granted Markandeya immortality or freedom from the destined death, depending on the version. The story explains Markandeya’s status as an ageless sage and should not be confused with Nachiketa, another youth who meets Yama in the Katha Upanishad.