Rapid progress is being made in our ability to modify
the aging process. Rather than serving as a period of debility and decreasing
health, for many people, the later years of life are becoming a period of
continued productivity, independence and good health. Progress is also being
made in increasing average lifespan. The leading causes of death (cardiovascular
disease, cancer, lung disease, diabetes) are the end result of decades-long
processes. With current knowledge, it is possible to delay the onset of
these diseases. This can be assisted by lifestyle choices incorporating
healthful diet, exercise, stress management, and nutritional supplementation.
Emerging genomics technology will allow individuals to establish personalized
programs, while early detection of heart disease and cancer will contribute
to longevity. Biotechnological therapies involving stem cells, recombinant
DNA, proteomics, therapeutic cloning and gene-based therapies are expected
to play major roles in promoting successful aging. We are at the threshold
of artificial intelligence (AI) and nanotechnology (NT). AI will allow for
a merging of our biological thinking with advanced forms of non-biological
intelligence to vastly expand our ability to think, create and experience.
NT will ultimately allow us to build devices able to build molecules much
like our current cellular machinery does, one atom at a time. It is the
goal of todayfs antiaging medicine to forestall disease and aging long enough
for people to utilize the powerful biotechnology and nanotechnology therapies
that will be developed over the decades ahead. These future therapies have
the potential to greatly extend longevity. |