A book on “biogerontology”, the science of aging and the potential to “cure” aging.
Discusses 10 areas that need solutions if we are to extend human lifespan. Many are under investigation today. There are actually some clinical trials under way or planned. Progress is being made (good!), but not fast enough to help me (bad).
Mentions Aubrey de Grey in passing. I’ve been aware of him for ~25 years. He’s been saying that modern medicine has been increasing lifespan continuously. At some point, we’ll be increasing lifespan by more than 1 year per year. de Grey has been saying within 30 years. (He’s been saying within 30 years for decades now!)
The book left depressed at the end. I’ll be gone before any of this pans out. The sci-fi idea of “prolong” will not be soon enough for me to experience it. Sigh.
A chapter at the end lists the standard advice on what to do before biogerontology delivers:
- Don’t smoke.
- Don’t eat too much.
- Get some exercise.
- Get seven to eight hours of sleep a night.
- Get vaccinated and wash your hands.
- Take care of your teeth.
- Wear sunscreen.
- Monitor your heart rate and blood pressure.
- Don’t bother with supplements.
- Don’t bother with longevity drugs — yet.
- Be a woman.
I’m doing not too bad on this list — 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 8 (partial), 9, 10.
Problems are 4, 7, 8 (partial), 11.