If all of this "life extension" technology works how will it change the world?
Often we get so caught up in what "could be" that we forget to prepare for what happens if the "could be" is actually obtained. If human life-span is increased by 20, 30, 50, or more years what implications will this have on our society?
He asked the following questions in his piece as well as a few others not listed,
"What will the effect be of turning 90 into the new 60?"
"Can our planet handle? Do we have enough natural resources?"
"How about the buildup of pollution, poverty, and overcrowding that would occur as a result?"
I commented on the article by stating,
The questions you outlined could be answered in great detail but I've decided to shorten my answers by stating, "As we have in the past, we will adapt to what the future brings." Just as our population has nearly tripled in a short period of time we have created ways to make living with the increase possible. Plenty of things have been done wrong (such as our ignoring of environmental dangers) but it seems we are learning from our mistakes and progressing in a positive way.
Fiscally we will need to prepare ourselves better for living longer. There is no better time to get people into "reasonable" savings mode then after going through the tough economic times we are experiencing today. Some times great fear is a good thing, it puts us back into reality.
Now that I've had a little more time to think about the questions posed above, I want to respond with a little more detail...
Can the world handle more people living well into their 100's?
From a non-renewable natural resource perspective I believe this will be difficult as there is only so much available. When it comes to oil, coal, and various other natural materials even without the increase in population they would eventually run out.
There is hope - One particular modern society, Brazil, is proving renewable energy use can be succesfully incorporated into every day life. For over 30 years now Brazil has been running automobiles using sugar based ethanol. The waste derived from the production of this fuel is then re-used for heat and power production.
This is just one example of how we as people learn to adapt and is proof of how a growing society can continue it's growth without the concern of using up natural resources. With hard work and discipline, it can be done!
What about having enough money to live until were 120?
Fiscally speaking, especially in the United States where debt-to-savings is extremely high, the extension of life will prove difficult for most. In our current environment many people have been unable to save money. Even when "times were good" most didn't take the time to stop and put extra money aside. Debt was the "in" thing for the past decade and we are paying for it now!
If there is anything positive coming out of the current global economic situation, it is the reality check we are all facing. That reality check is forcing us to look at how we got to where we are today... the answer, lack of savings!
Someone making $52,000 a year should not be buying a $410,000 home with no money down and interest only payments. Period, end of story!
The reality check has occurred and we all need to learn from our mistakes. Can we save enough to live to 120? The answer is yes but only if we remember history and do our best not to let it repeat. We need to get back to saving early and letting compounding interest do the rest.
If Resveratrol ends up being the anti-aging miracle we are all hoping it becomes then perhaps now is the time to start adjusting our expectations.
A book could be written as to the effects of living another 30-50 years and the impact on society. For now, this article will have to do.
Tell me what you think will change if life-extension occurs? How will an extra 30 years change your life?
Other Interesting Resveratrol Articles:
Resveratrol Side-Effects
Micronized Resveratrol
60-Minutes Resveratrol Segment
Resveratrol Related Web Search
I personally believe that technology has reduced our social capital—the relationships that bind people together and create a sense of community. Consequences include decreased civility, loss of behavioural boundaries and increased crime. We must find ways to deal with our profound loss of social connectedness.
Posted by: didier grossemy | February 09, 2009 at 08:06 AM