The Obstacles Ahead of US
A Look at Longevity
John Ink2Quill March 2023 Editorial
www.ink2quill.com

Yes. Longevity is on our minds when we wake up tired in the morning, pull a muscle with exercise or get a cavity. Signs that our bodies are suffering wear and tear remind us of our mortality every so often. And those reminders are like splinters in our minds to our well being. But times have changed and continue to change. The tooth infection that would have killed us in the Middle Ages is a problem with a two hour solution at the dentist. This is true with so many health issues. It is also true with our awareness to environmental dangers we face in society. Tornadoes, hurricanes, earthquakes do far less damage and victims can be far better treated nowadays than in times past. We can also grow more food and ship it around the world with far greater ease. All of these solutions have evaporated many of the problems that tormented societies of the past. So, what problems do we have to solve that are waiting for us in the future.

Firstly, is the issue of good health. Although we have solved many health issues there are still many diseases, plagues and health conditions to go. There are the common issues like heart disease, cancers etc. and I do believe those are problems that will gradually over time be solved. What about the issue of life longevity? What about the issue of living past 100 years in good health? That means not living in pain, having all one’s faculties and a good quality of life. So many people, researchers, entrepreneurs, volunteers etc. have thought about this issue and the surprising thing is that we are hearing less and less how impossible a long healthy life is. People are so much more accepting of a society where people live longer with good health. That is a revolution in thought that is such a giant leap forward from days past. It is a really great thing that more and more people are shedding those false beliefs that keep us stuck in a bad past. A longer life with good health would be a wonderful achievement for humankind.

What might be the drawbacks of people living longer with good health? Maybe in a society where people lived longer we would have a smarter person with more tools and technology in their lives. This individual would be far more capable to solve problems and live a fulfilling life. However, a society of longer lived people would not necessarily produce a better, more conscience, more responsible, nicer person. That is an uncomfortable truth. We should not confuse a long, good quality of life leading to a higher quality person. In spite of this truth, the biggest, most impactful change in society will be the prolonging of life. All other achievements and discovers will play second fiddle to this change. That’s just how it is.

John Ink2Quill

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