Experts debate indefinite lifespan. Poll: what's your opinion?
May 06 2008 / by futuretalk
Category: Health & Medicine Year: General Rating: 9 Hot
By Dick Pelletier
Prospects to achieve an indefinite lifespan are getting closer
as advances in genetic engineering, stem cell therapy, and nanotech
are creating an optimistic outlook in the battle against cancer,
heart disease, obesity, and most other human illnesses – including
aging. 
But bioethicists ask, “Who would want to live
indefinitely?” For those who imagine elderly life in a tired,
decrepit body, the answer would probably be, “Not me.” But ask any
life extension enthusiast who sees an ageless, forever-healthy body
in their future and most would say “Yes, this is for me!”
University of Illinois researcher Jay Olshansky recently challenged colleagues from different disciplines to re-design human biology so that it would extend the duration of healthy life. The group conceived a body that could remain in perfect health indefinitely. Olshansky was deluged with comments on his findings from scientists around the world. Some were negative, but most expressed a decidedly positive view.
Leon Kass, chairman of President Bush’s Council on Bioethics finds problems with radical life extension. Kass believes attempts to conquer death devalues human life. “It is death,” he writes, “that gives urgency to life.” Kass sees research into genetics and embryonic stem cells as threats to the very nature of humanity. He issues dire warnings that once mankind starts down that slippery slope the result might be something not even human.
Does that mean that everyone should die eventually, even if they are still in good health? Frighteningly, when asked if a future government would be within their rights to tell its citizens that they have to die, Bioethics Council member Francis Fukuyama answered, “Yes, absolutely.” (cont.)
Other opponents argued that if people remained forever young, there would be no room for more of us, and pollution and depletion of resources would eventually bring civilization to an end. But futurist Ray Kurzweil predicts that molecular nanotech could one day provide support on our planet for 100-billion humans.
Anti-aging theorist and author Shane Greenup believes that those who say they don’t want to live an extended lifespan are not being honest. “When most people face death”, Greenup says, “They don’t want to die at that moment.” This desire to live is part of what makes us human.
Science researcher Jack Richardson adds that despite those who reject the idea of life extension, it will happen anyway. “Eventually,” Richardson says, “each component of the aging process will be understood and scientists will develop effective therapies; and since the rate of technological change is increasing exponentially, the results of this research will benefit most people who are alive today.”
Life extension science also includes non-biological improvements that add greater capabilities, such as enhanced endurance, memory, and intelligence. We see this in beginning stages today with titanium hip replacements, cochlear implants, and soon-to-come synthetic neurons.
Will these “artificial parts” turn us into non-human cyborgs? Experts say no. Our collective will to live, drives the quest for cures and life-saving technologies; incorporating non-biological enhancements into our body only makes us better humans.
Positive futurists predict that by as early as the 2040s, many humans will live in powerful ageless bodies made from all non-biological materials – bodies that automatically self-renew when damaged.
As mentioned in previous articles, a life filled with abundance and breathtaking adventures awaits us as we move into what promises to be a “magical future” time – with driverless cars, spaceflights, robots, and unlimited life spans. Enjoy!
Comment Thread (1 Response)
-
Great story!!! I especially like the part where Shane Greenup believes that those who say they don’t want to live an extended lifespan are not being honest. I feel this is a true reflection of humanity trying to make a comment with a pre-conditioned mindset based on what they have had to do and what has been the norm when it comes to making a decision about their death. You dont see people saying no to a pace maker or a new medical procedure that saves a childs life. Lack of knowledge or options governs a majority of responses.
Posted by: LifeORiley March 30, 2010
Vote for this comment - Recommend