Re: Trade-offs of living healthier longer

[Guest guest]

Hello P: this is a very interesting subject which btw has been mentioned previously. Perhaps not in as much depth as might suit you.

I personally worry about two major problems: 1) the population explosion and 2) the personal economic problems this may cause me and others.

I am retired and have adequate financial resources for a comfortable life if I live into my 90’s. However if my lifespan is significantly lengthened greatly beyond that, will I run out of money? Inflation is a killer and erodes one’s funds as the inflated prices of goods and services keep increasing.

Of course the larger problem is the tremendous population growth people if lifespan is significantly increased. Assuming people will still want to reproduce, then the present population will swell to unbelievable numbers of people. Even now, traffic, crowds, pollution, energy use, impacts the quality of life in the richest countries. In poorer countries the problems are even more serious.

I have often answered my own question about this when this discussion has come up. I hate to be pessimistic but we (the human race) have always been able to count on war, murder, new diseases, natural disasters, accidents, suicides, etc to keep our numbers somewhat in check. Although it would be nice to find a more palatable way to do so.

From: ppjones84 <petercojones@...>

Reply-< >

Date: Tue, 15 Jan 2008 18:42:06 -0000

< >

Subject: [ ] Trade-offs of living healthier longer

What are the trade-offs to living significantly longer and healthier, on an individual, societal and universal level, in terms of economics, psychology, sociology and any other world views?

Although I have done my due diligence (required reading and making sure this has not been discussed before in detail) before contributing, I am not an expert. I nonetheless hope you will entertain my question with great thought, since I know you are aware that indefinite lifespan or significant longevity could be a double-edged sword.

Yours truly,

P.

[Guest guest]

Hello Francesca,

Joan Baez once said that if living were something that money could

buy, the rich would live and the poor would die.

Which measures could society implement to face the population and

economic problems you outlaid?

> I personally worry about two major problems: 1) the population

explosion and

> 2) the personal economic problems this may cause me and others.

> From: ppjones84 <petercojones@...>

> Reply-< >

> Date: Tue, 15 Jan 2008 18:42:06 -0000

> < >

> Subject: [ ] Trade-offs of living healthier longer

>

> What are the trade-offs to living significantly longer and

healthier, on an

> individual, societal and universal level, in terms of economics,

psychology,

> sociology and any other world views?

[Guest guest]

Joan Baez sang it actually.

We already see the rich living and the poor dying so to speak. If one doesn’t have health insurance in the States, they likely will be unable to afford expensive medical treatments and hospital stays. Whereas the educated and affluent can go to the absolute best hospitals and doctors. Those with money have the wherewithal to research, contact and travel to wherever the location may be for the best care for their problem. Certainly I would do that.

Many medical advances disturb me. For example modern medicine is now insuring that practically everyone can procreate (even women past menopause). I worry about this not only in terms of population increases, but that the group of people who used to adopt homeless children has shrunk. Medical advances may help the individual, but not always be bemeficial for a well functioning society.

Keeping people on machines when they should be allowed to die in peace is another such example. I thought Dr D. was a hero. Just my opinion of course.

From: ppjones84 <petercojones@...>

Reply-< >

Date: Tue, 15 Jan 2008 22:08:36 -0000

< >

Subject: [ ] Re: Trade-offs of living healthier longer

Hello Francesca,

Joan Baez once said that if living were something that money could

buy, the rich would live and the poor would die.

Which measures could society implement to face the population and

economic problems you outlaid?

> I personally worry about two major problems: 1) the population

explosion and

> 2) the personal economic problems this may cause me and others.

> From: ppjones84 <petercojones@...>

> Reply-< <mailto: %40> >

> Date: Tue, 15 Jan 2008 18:42:06 -0000

> < <mailto: %40> >

> Subject: [ ] Trade-offs of living healthier longer

>

> What are the trade-offs to living significantly longer and

healthier, on an

> individual, societal and universal level, in terms of economics,

psychology,

> sociology and any other world views?

[Guest guest]

[ ] Trade-offs of living healthier longer

What are the trade-offs to living significantly longer and healthier, on an

individual, societal and universal level, in terms of economics, psychology,

sociology and any other world views?

Although I have done my due diligence (required reading and making sure this

has not been discussed before in detail) before contributing, I am not an

expert. I nonetheless hope you will entertain my question with great

thought, since I know you are aware that indefinite lifespan or significant

longevity could be a double-edged sword.

Yours truly,

P.

Respectfully, I doubt anyone can know or guess the outcome of a future with

no death, however, mother nature has a way of leveling things out.

CRONies may die earlier due to kidney disease (just a guess).

The number of CRONies may never be significant. EG, I believe the number of

vegans has never been significant in our culture (I know none.) Probably the

same will hold for the future, especially since we don't seem to be able to

give up habits we know shorten life.

A major famine may kill many except CRONies.

When the population becomes burdened growing food it may turn to

synthesizing.

The question of who feeds the many we might assume may run out of money, and

be incapable of working for food, is simple - they starve.

The biggest factor, I believe is the inability to adapt psyhcologically.

Regards