The proliferation of inexpensive digital cameras and the increased use of color scanners, has allowed us to store photos on our computers to a degree not even imagined three years ago. While the digital images will last forever, the same is not true of the prints you make. Color printed photos have a life span related to the ink's stability over time, as well as the paper used for printing.
If your printouts need to last for years, use acid-free paper. It's the acid in paper that makes it yellow and causes it to become brittle and crumble over time. As for inks, their enemy is ultraviolet (UV) light. Exposure to sunlight and, to a lesser degree, light from incandescent and fluorescent lamps causes the ink to fade. Some manufacturers, including HP, make UV resistant inks. But it's still preferable to keep printouts in a drawer or box that's cool and dry. If the printouts are for long-term public display, you have the luxury of re-printing them from time to time because you can save the file on your computer.
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