S1E12 - The World If We Succeed (and If We Don’t)

Season 1: The Science of Aging | Episode 12: The World If We Succeed (and If We Don’t)

Welcome to our latest episode of the Deep Dive, where we explore the monumental demographic shift of global population aging and its profound implications. As the world witnesses unprecedented growth in the senior demographic, we delve into the ethical, economic, and policy dimensions of radical life extension.

Join us as we discuss whether extended lifespans will be a triumph of human ingenuity or an unforeseen societal burden. We examine the concept of "compressed morbidity," and its potential to redefine aging, highlighting the critical need for maintaining not just a longer, but healthier life.

Our in-depth exploration covers key topics like healthspan vs. lifespan, the potential economic boon of a "longevity dividend," and the looming ethical dilemma of inequality in access to life-extension technologies. We also address the urgent need for labor market and pension reforms to accommodate this demographic transformation.

Moreover, we tackle the challenging path of regulatory adaptation for anti-aging therapies, as well as the crucial role of public narrative in avoiding over-hyped expectations about longevity science.

Finally, we'll outline immediate public health strategies that can enhance longevity today, even as we await future scientific breakthroughs. This thoughtful and data-driven analysis aims to empower listeners with the insights needed to engage with one of the defining issues of our time.