There are many arguments opposing the possibility of biological immortality. However, contrasting ideologies are always strong reasons for confirmation. Let us start by considering the effects and possibilities of extending life.
1. Effect on Population
Life extension is likely to decrease population growth in the future. The rate at which populations are growing has been decreasing precipitously every decade since 1960. In some of the western countries population size has even fallen. Modernization is accounting for both longevity and population stability. It is predicted that by year 2050, the world population will start to fall, something that has never been experienced before. The effect of an ageing population might be labour shortage and a high burden on taxpayers.
Moreover, in our elixir for longevity, technology is improving standards of living. It was argued that the world would be overcrowded and that people would be left in famine and impoverished conditions. Since these proclamations, the population has grown significantly and standards of living have reached new heights. In simple terms, as long as people produce more than what they can consume resources will be available.
Although resources can support a larger population, it is important to address birth rates. It is better to improve the life of people through life extension rather than to deprive old people in the face of increasing birth rates.
2. Ethical Dilemma of Life Extension
There isn’t any viable ethical dilemma against life extension. For instance, miraculous progress such as antibiotics, laser surgery, organ transplant amidst many others are common aspects of medical treatments today. However, recently they were all subject to ethical questioning. The fact is that we should take the chance to decrease suffering and human pain if we can. This involves promoting a longer and healthier life for older people. Opposing life extension would be immoral and unethical in its own sense.
To reflect on it, who is against treating Cancer and Heart Disease?
3. Do You want to Live Forever?
Some people consider that “Forever” is too long. These same people would do anything to die later than naturally expected. They can be seen travelling around the earth to cure themselves from injuries, cancer or heart diseases. Technology that promotes life extension is something few would refuse to take.
4. What Should We do Cure Famine or Support Longevity Research
Knowledge is the most valuable resources that we have. However, it takes years to harness a high level of wisdom. This sets us to a paradoxical state. The knowledgeable people are at the vertex of death. However, if life would be extended these wise old people would certainly be able to develop new technology that would solve food dilemmas, water desalination and also greenhouse challenges.
5. How to Solve Aging When We Can’t cure Cancer
There are already various typologies explaining the aging mechanism. It is even possible to extend life of an average person with around 20 years. Moreover, technology devised to unravel the aging mystery is constantly improving and solutions to cancer and aging might soon be at the front page.
6. Longevity is it a threat to Social Security?
The actual social security system must be adjusted to account for longevity. The current system would suffer tremendously if lifespan would be increased by 30 to 50 years. Social security such as pension and medical care isn’t really a sufficient reason to avoid life-extending technology to emerge.
7. What Will Old People Do?
Longevity studies will re-define the perception we have on old people. They will no longer be conceived as feeble and wrinkled beings. At the moment the medical expenses on people of 65 years or above is more than 4 times than for those less than 65 years. In general for most developed countries one-third of medical expenses is on people above 68 years of age.
8. Technology or Exercise
Modern technology is only one solution. It is believed that exercise, yoga, meditation, pure air and water will also extend life. However, technology is required to substantially increase longevity. Healthy habits increase ‘your’ chance to live until technology will enable you to live longer. Until today, a healthy lifestyle (yoga and exercise) has not allowed anyone to live above 122 years according to recorded data.
Part 2: Bringing Common Sense to Humanity: We Can Live Longer –
Source: Maximum Life Foundation
Anti Aging, Bioscience, Gerontology, Health And Aging, Lifestyle, Longevity
Thu, Mar 18, 2010
Anti Aging, Bioscience, Gerontology, Health And Aging, Lifestyle, Longevity