Thursday, August 13, 2009
Long Life in the 21st Century
Laura L. Carstensen, Professor of Psychology and Director of the Stanford Center on Longevity
We are approaching a watershed moment in human history. By 2030, the number of people over 65 will surpass the number of children under 15. By the time today’s children reach old age, living to 100 will be commonplace. Rather than perceiving this as good news, most people respond to extended longevity with discussions about coping with or halting the aging process. Yet, to the extent that people arrive at old age mentally sharp, physically fit, and financially secure, long-lived societies will thrive. Professor Carstensen believes that among the most pressing needs of the modern world is the development of “longevity science.” Her talk will focus on the ways science and technology offer alternatives to catastrophic predictions about societies that are overburdened by frail elders. She will discuss advances in science that can form the basis of a culture in which we improve quality of life at all ages.
{ 0 comments… add one now }
You must log in to post a comment.