Recent studies in science have culminated in a revolutionary blood test that can determine how long an individual will live. The test involves the measurement of a patient’s telomeres, the caps found on the tips of chromosomes that protect them from damage. Previous studies have found correlations between the length of telomeres and a person’s lifespan. Research indicates that people with shorter than normal telomeres tend to live for fewer years than people who have longer telomeres. An analysis of the prevailing social conditions shows that these age tests could bring unexpected benefits since they can spur a sea-change in lifestyles, especially in healthy choices.
The potential beneficiaries of this new technology include life insurance companies, health providers, and ultimately, ordinary people. The knowledge that one is likely to have a shorter than normal life-span, could motivate individuals to start living a healthy lifestyle. Thus the current obesity and anorexia epidemic in the Western world could fade as people change their eating and exercising habits to lengthen their lives and maximize the few years that they may have left due to their shorter telomeres. Unnecessary health risks such as excessive alcohol and tobacco consumption can be brought under control by health authorities if those who indulge in these vices are sensitized on the heightened jeopardy they are placing themselves in, especially if they are likely to have a short life. The amount of taxes that the government can save in gradually eliminating preventable diseases is enormous and could be diverted to other priority areas. A drop-in ‘disease-revenue’ would also lighten the tax burden on ordinary, healthier citizens.
At the same time, life insurance firms could benefit tremendously as more accurate data on client health and risk susceptibility is unearthed. This will contribute towards making the estimations of life insurance calculations a more exact science that relies on solid empirical evidence. Life insurance firms could come to the aid of the government by insisting on clients living a healthy lifestyle if they want to enjoy insurance cover. The potential for a three-way collaboration between the public sector, private firms, and individuals can open new avenues for social benefits that would otherwise go unrealized or prove impossible if tackled by a smaller team. The overall effect of these efforts could produce an enormous health dividend never seen before.
It would therefore be prudent if the government tried to make the age-determining blood tests available and affordable for everyone because the $700 price tag may be too expensive for some citizens. Subsidizing the service for those willing to take the test is likely to have a significantly positive effect on the long-term health of the country and the people. It would also be a brave step in the right direction since the increased use of scientific solutions to solve national problems would reduce political and administrative problems that dog the government at every turn.
In conclusion, the government should move to make genetic tests that help determine age, affordable for every citizen.