Abstract:

With advances in biotechnology, genetics, and personalized medicine, the prospect of significantly extending human lifespans is becoming increasingly plausible. From anti-aging drugs to gene editing, science is making strides toward delaying aging and preventing age-related diseases. But are we truly on the brink of a new era in human longevity, and what are the implications for society?

Three // Perspectives:

David Sinclair: Science Will Soon Extend Human Lifespan David Sinclair, a leading researcher in aging and author of "Lifespan: Why We Age—and Why We Don't Have To," argues that recent breakthroughs in understanding the biology of aging could soon lead to significant extensions in human life span. Sinclair's research focuses on the role of sirtuins, NAD+ boosters, and other interventions that could slow down or even reverse aging processes. He envisions a future where people can live healthy lives well into their hundreds, fundamentally changing the human experience.

👉 Read: "Lifespan: Why We Age—and Why We Don't Have To" by David Sinclair

Nir Barzilai: Extending Life Span Must Include Extending Health Span Nir Barzilai, a prominent gerontologist, emphasizes that extending life span should not be the primary goal; rather, the focus should be on extending "health span," the period of life spent in good health. Barzilai is leading research on metformin and other drugs that may delay the onset of age-related diseases, arguing that the key to a longer life is ensuring that those extra years are healthy and active. He cautions against the pursuit of longevity without addressing the quality of life.

👉 Watch: Nir Barzilai's Talk on Aging and Longevity

Leon Kass: The Quest for Longevity Raises Ethical Concerns Leon Kass, a bioethicist and former chair of the President's Council on Bioethics, raises ethical concerns about the quest for extended longevity. Kass argues that the pursuit of longer life spans could lead to societal challenges, including overpopulation, resource scarcity, and social inequality. He also questions whether extending life is a worthwhile goal, suggesting that the natural aging process has intrinsic value and that society should focus on improving the quality of life rather than simply extending it.

👉 Read: Leon Kass's Essays on Bioethics and Aging

Extra Perspective: the 1000 year old woman is already born

Noteworthy Concepts:

• Sirtuins: A family of proteins involved in cellular regulation, aging, and metabolism, often targeted in anti-aging research to promote longevity.

• NAD+ (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide): A coenzyme that plays a crucial role in energy metabolism and cellular repair, with declining levels associated with aging; boosting NAD+ is a focus of longevity research.

• Metformin: A widely used diabetes medication that is being studied for its potential to extend health span and delay age-related diseases, a key candidate in longevity research.

• Gene Editing: Techniques like CRISPR that allow for precise modifications of genes, which may be used in the future to target aging-related genes and extend human life spans.

• Health Span: The period of life during which a person is healthy and free from serious disease, a central concept in the discussion of extending human longevity.