The cyclic model of the universe suggests that the universe undergoes a series of cycles, where it expands and contracts repeatedly. According to this model, the current phase of expansion, known as the Big Bang, is just one part of a larger cycle. In this view, the universe could have existed for an extended period of time, potentially much longer than the commonly accepted age of 13.8 billion years.
However, it's important to note that the cyclic model is just one of several hypotheses proposed to explain the nature and evolution of the universe. While it offers an alternative perspective, the cyclic model is still a subject of scientific investigation and debate. Currently, there is no definitive evidence to support or rule out the idea of a cyclic universe.
The age of 13.8 billion years is based on observations of the cosmic microwave background radiation, the abundance of light elements, and the rate of expansion of the universe. These measurements provide strong evidence for the Big Bang theory and the subsequent expansion of the universe. But the possibility of a cyclic universe or a different cosmological model cannot be definitively ruled out until further scientific evidence is obtained.
In summary, while the cyclic model suggests the potential for a near-infinite age of the universe, it is just one hypothesis among many, and our current understanding is based on the best available evidence, which indicates an age of approximately 13.8 billion years.