Longevity escape velocity

Longevity escape velocity is a term used in the field of biogerontology to describe the minimum rate of medical technology advancement that is necessary to extend human life expectancy longer than the time that is passing. In other words, for every year that passes, the advancements in longevity-related medical technology need to increase the average human lifespan by at least one year.

Concept

The concept of longevity escape velocity posits that we could, in theory, halt or even reverse aging. This is based on the idea that as we continue to make advancements in biotechnology, we will eventually reach a point where for every year that passes, we will be able to extend human life by more than a year. This would effectively mean that we have outrun aging.

File:Longevity escape velocity graph.jpg

Graph illustrating the concept of longevity escape velocity

History

The term "longevity escape velocity" was coined by Aubrey de Grey in his work on Strategies for Engineered Negligible Senescence (SENS). De Grey is a British author and biomedical gerontologist who has been a prominent advocate for the application of regenerative medicine to age-related disease.

Implications

The implications of achieving longevity escape velocity are profound. It would mean that humans could potentially live indefinitely, barring accidents or terminal illnesses. This could have significant impacts on society, including potential overpopulation, changes in the structure of families and relationships, and shifts in economic systems.

Criticism

Critics of the concept argue that it is overly optimistic and that the biological complexities of aging cannot be overcome as easily as the concept suggests. They also point out potential societal and ethical issues that could arise if humans were to significantly extend their lifespans.

See also

• Biogerontology
• Aubrey de Grey
• Strategies for Engineered Negligible Senescence