Research to reverse aging and extend human longevity

Researchers are studying ways of extending our healthy years, perhaps one day reversing the physiological aging process to the point where the human life span is virtually limitless. Is the prospect of living from now into eternity a cherished dream or a fearsome nightmare? In the latest life and health article by Vision.org titled, "Who Wants to Live Forever," the topic of aging and the human life span are discussed further and many questions arise on the topic of becoming immortal. Further, an interview with the Los Angeles Gerontology Research Group gives us a better understanding of the research that has taken place over the years and what insights are available on the topic of human longevity.

Do we associate immortal lives with Utopia? Or, if you are to have a significantly longer-than-average life span, are you certain the one you have is the one you would want to keep forever? Vision.org writer Martin Coates discusses many ideas about human longevity. "Is the world we are creating for ourselves one in which we can continue to derive... satisfaction...? Is more of the same what we really want?" Forever, as we know, is a long time. Coates continues, "Even if we... look forward to a utopian future, could we rest easy in the company of [those] who would certainly be less fortunate? And who would want to live indefinitely if it meant... living under an oppressive and brutal dictatorship or in a war-ravaged and violence-filled country?"

In an accompanying interview, Vision.org's Gina Stepp asks Robert Nathan, cofounder of the Los Angeles Gerontology Research Group, about his research into aging and human longevity. In the article, "A Forever Question and Challenge," Robert Nathan discusses: Are we on the brink of becoming immortal? Immortal lives may not be as implausible as they seem. Robert Nathan points out that certain cells that are immortal live within us, and we each carry a limited number of stem cells that are nearly immortal.

Many who research aging, like Robert Nathan, seek ways to increase the human life span while others question whether they would really want extended longevity. Forever is, of course, a long time, and before deciding to pursue becoming immortal, one must give some serious thought to eternity and what it would mean for individuals and for the planet.

Could the planet sustain an ever-increasing population? What would be the quality of such a life? Would there be an affordability gap? Will it really be possible to significantly extend the average life span of humanity without risking quality of life? Do we really want forever -- to be immortal -- live into eternity? For more thought-provoking questions, read, "Who Wants to Live Forever" and the Robert Nathan interview titled, "A Forever Question and Challenge," at www.vision.org.