The idea of extending lifespan is a controversial topic. Some believe it is unnatural. Others question if living longer while sick and unhealthy is worth it. Some wonder if the world can sustain more people. These are all important questions. Below I summarize the cases I've heard against and for this research. Then, I'll share my perspective (which you may be able to guess).
The case against research to extend human longevity
Isn’t this unnatural?
Is it worth living longer if you’re just sick and unhealthy? I don’t want to be like grandparents at the end of their life.
Can the world sustain more people? Are we already beyond the world’s carrying capacity?
Will evil dictators remain in power for too long?
Will society become stifled if the old don’t make room for the young?
What if I get bored of my life? Of my significant other?
Will only a select few be able to afford the longevity treatments?
Is it even possible? Human aging is incredibly complex.
The case for research to extend human longevity
Keep family and friends healthy and alive!
Aging and age-related disease is the leading killer globally.
We are already on board with curing age-related diseases like cancer, dementia and frailty, which are extensions of aging.
We have already more than doubled lifespan in the last 100 years.
We lose so much wisdom, experience and human connection when people die.
Longevity interventions in model organisms and humans show increased healthspan as well as increased lifespan.
The healthcare savings would be enormous, given most money is spent in the last 6 months of life.
If someone doesn’t love life, they don’t have to take the longevity treatments.
Healthcare innovations typically get shared broadly over time. For example, global average life expectancy is around 70 years, including lower-income countries, vs. 75 years in the United States.
My perspective: I want my family and friends to stay healthy and alive for as long as possible. I love life and I want to keep living. I believe in technology development and global progress over the last 150 years has been on average very good for humanity in both rich and lower-income countries. I believe this will continue if we keep making amazing technologies and innovations like lifespan extension.