Life Extension

Death has to wait: As people get older and older, 100 becomes the new 60!

People are getting older and older. In 2015, global life expectancy at birth was 71.4 years. Thanks to improving health, nutrition and hygiene standards, it has more than doubled since 1900. Now, progress in bio-gerontology (i.e. understanding the process of aging) could prolong life expectancy once again by a multiple.

Life extending drugs (e.g. containing substances such as metformin) are researched and will be key to longevity. New reproduction principles (e.g. artificial wombs) might disconnect procreation from the biological age and enhance female autonomy by postponing maternity. Human spare parts, e.g. bones or joints grown from stem cells, might enable physical health and mobility into old age. Even age-related death might no longer mean the end in the farer future. With the help of cryogenics, people might be conserved shortly before or directly after their death to be revived in the future as soon as medical advancements are available to cure their sufferings.

Once many people will live significantly longer than today, phases and concept sofliving will change. Becoming parents at the age of 60 might occur more frequently, as might working or graduating at 80 or more. As the societal perception of being old changes, economy, social welfare systems, education, childcare, etc. will have to adapt accordingly.

Future Fact

Women born in 2057 in the UK are expected to have a life expectancy of 100 years. The same applies to men, but not until the 2080s.