Abstract
This research paper aims to analyze the views of Dr. De Grey’s theory on healthy living. I will seek to answer several questions on the topic beginning with how Dr. De Grey’s theories present some potential benefits and problems. If people were to live for 150 years how would this present challenges to governments? What are some of the changes in thinking towards “older people” that would need to take place if the life expectancy in the United States were to increase by 50 years or more? If Dr. De Grey’s theory became a reality, what role do you see an active population over 100 years-of-age playing in society?
Introduction
Dr. De Grey has developed theories that ensure that human beings can achieve maximum life quality thereby increasing the number of years that one can live on earth. He has identified junk that accumulates in the body cells as the cause of aging and death. The cells then make up the body tissues and once they get infected then the body breakdowns. His theory of engineered negligible senescence seems to be unrealistic in our present and immediate future. In a nutshell, his theory is that science will soon develop ways of ensuring that we can grow old without necessary aging (Ferrini & Ferrini, 2008).
Main Text
Dr. De Grey has concurred that some of our bodies’ conditions that cause aging cannot all be solved as of now or yet anyway. He holds hope that this situation can be remedied in the next few years. I do agree that the world is constantly changing and that technological and scientific advancement will be more, but then how much change is needed to alter a natural course of life? I think that science will evolve but will it help us avoid death is a concept that we should just wait and see if it comes to pass (Ferrini & Ferrini, 2008).
The theory of eternal living is very appealing. This is because it will mean that no deaths will occur. Thus the sorrows and mourning of our loved ones who pass on will be a thing of the past. This scenario presents several advantages like we will be able to spend all the time in the world with our loved ones. The fact that diseases will be a thing of the past is a plus in that development will be unhindered as people can work at their maximum potential. Furthermore, the fund used in healthcare by the government and individuals will be channeled to other uses (Ferrini & Ferrini, 2008).
On the downside, the earth’s population will likely increase as no people will be dying to attain a balance in the numbers. This will exert pressure on cities, governments, and the earth to support such huge populations. I do not think I would choose to live 150 years on earth as this would be rather boring in the end. I believe that life would not have the same meaning as we are aware that we have all the time in the world to do whatever. Most of us talk of living forever to enjoy life but I believe if the option was available then most would change their minds after a while. Prolonged life will not mean that the negative social issues such as crime will be done away with, only that we will live longer thus experience them more (Freund et al, 2009).
If people were to live for 150 years it would greatly interfere with government programs. It is the responsibility of our governments to ensure the wellbeing of its citizens and look out for our welfare. Thus if every individual was to live for such a long period, there would be a strain on the resources. Government programs such as housing and employment would present a challenge in such a scenario. I think that socially, the attitude towards older people in the United States is that they are a burden. Keep in mind that our society is individualistic and that we do not have strong bonds with the extended members of our families.
This does not mean that we do not love them it is just that we can only provide care for so long. If life expectancy increases by 50 years then our attitude will need to change. This is because we will have to look after the older relatives and still provide support (Freund et al, 2009).
Conclusion
If the concept of living over 100 years is attainable, then this will change our societal structure immensely. The roles that the different age groups play will also change. Now, the older generation serves the roles of teaching values and passing on culture to the younger generation. They are like a reservoir of knowledge and wisdom. They are also indicators of our origins and ancestry. It is my opinion that the same roles will be played by the over 100-year people. This is because they will still get to grow old but not die (Freund et. al, 2009).
Reference List
Ferrini, A., & Ferrini R. (2008). Health in the Later Years (4th Edition). New York: McGraw-Hill Publishers.
Freund, A., Nikitin, M., Ritter, J., & Johannes O. (2009). Psychological Consequences of Longevity. Human Development, 52 (1), 1-37. Web.