The Vortex of ExpectationsVisions, Aspirations, and the Promise of Human Longevity Research

Christopher Thomas Scott, PhD Stanford University Center for Bioethics

Christopher Thomas Scott, PhD Stanford University Center for Biomedical Ethics

Scott CT and DeFrancesco L (2015) Selling Long Life. Nature Biotechnology 33(1):31-39

Naked mole rat [10-20]

Humans [85]

Lobsters [100]

Rockfish [205]

Quahog [400]

Aspen [80,000]

Jelly fish [immortal]

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The Lifetime Spiral

But the older you are, the more likely you’ll get sick

Human lifespan hasn’t changed much over time

What is Longevity Research?

The hoary ancestor: aging research

The 90’s wild child: anti-aging research (life extension)

The new kid: longevity research (live long, live well) High profile scientists Tons of money Techno-enthusiasm! Bandwagon science!

Compressed morbidity

Big data

Precision medicine

Blood rejuvenation

Crowd-sourcing patients

3 biochemical pathways

Technological Calling Cards

Cultural Intersections

Content analysis of textual and visual materials

Why study longevity research? Extending life: historical echoes Boomers: Fear of aging, dying & death

Resonance with other ideologies

Transhumanist, Singularity movements

Neutraceuticals, Anti-aging cure-alls

A biotech business opportunity

Why study longevity research?

Techno- narratives

Pro: Peter Thiel and HGH

Con: Bill Gates “aging research is selfish”

A sneaking suspicion: stem cells

Science outsprinting bioethics (and law)

New ethical issues

Revisiting old ethical potholes: hucksterism, hype and hope

Reimagining Old Age What will old age look like in 10, 20, or 50 years?

How anticipation brings about the future of science, today

How will we deal with a vital, active, population of elders? What form of life do we want to be?

Should there be limits? In the name of longevity: enhancement of traits and cognition

Zeke Emanuel’s the “American Immortal” and new technology

Human finitude: How to live a life that ends

Longer life impacts the sustainability of human life

The Vortex of ExpectationsVisions, Aspirations, and the Promise of Human Longevity Research