The Science and Ethics of Extending Human Lifespan
Nobel Prize-winning molecular biologist Venki Ramakrishnan explains why we may not want to lengthen our lives much longer in his new book 'Why We Die: The New Science of Aging and the Quest for Immortality'. He discusses the potential societal stagnation of living for hundreds of years and the importance of tackling the causes of aging for healthier and productive older populations.
Key Points
- Living indefinitely could lead to a stagnant society with the same group of people living longer
- Tackling the causes of aging is crucial for maintaining health and productivity in older populations
- Biological age may not always match chronological age due to varying rates of damage accumulation and repair breakdown
Pros
- Potential to live longer and healthier lives by tackling the underlying causes of aging
- Understanding the biological markers of aging could lead to significant advancements in healthcare
Cons
- Societal stagnation and lack of turnover between generations in a society where people live for hundreds of years