When Dr. Bill Thomas was writing “Second Wind” I did some research for the book and my favorite topic was on “Denialism” and the war on aging.
In the book, “Denialists” are one of three sub-cultures that define the post-war generation today. They are the folks who believe we are on the verge of cheating death — if we could only crack the code of aging. After all, we’ve made miraculous strides in extending the human lifespan in recent decades, right?
Wrong. Despite all the marvels of modern medicine, there is no evidence that any technology has helped a single human extend their life by a single day. Sure, we’ve developed lots of interventions that help keep people from dying prematurely (particularly infants), which extends average “life expectancy” (and even those statistics are threatened by things like childhood obesity and antibiotic-resistant “super-bugs”). But we’re not even close to understanding the immensely complex mechanics of aging, let alone “curing” it.
Or are we?
This week Katie Couric brought us the latest anti-aging media hype with an “exclusive look at [the] strictly guarded mouse lab” of Harvard Medical School research David Sinclair. With the hyperbolic headline “There’s No Limit on the Human Lifespan” I was genuinely curious what breakthrough had been discovered.
Sinclair is well known in anti-aging circles for his research on resveratrol, a molecule in grapes that appeared to keep over-fed mice healthy when they were fed large quantities of it (think a 100 bottles of wine worth per day).
That was ten years ago. What amazing breakthroughs has he developed in his secret mouse lab since then?
Apparently, besides self-medicating himself and his parents with resveratrol and feeling “fit and healthy”, the answer is nothing. All he revealed to Couric is that he’s prematurely aging mice in order to test whether “new molecules” can return them to their younger and healthier state. The results of his testing? Don’t hold your breath — Sinclair said he’s still years away from proving anything, let alone developing treatments for people.
So here we are with another hyped up anti-aging non-news story ironically about shortening the lives of mice rather than extending them (I wish Couric had asked him what method he prefers — cigarettes, stress, fried food?). I find this piece so ridiculous I’m not even going to dignify it with a link. Google it if you must watch it.
Instead, I will share a video from my favorite vlogger Hank Green exploring the age old question “Why We Age and Can We Stop It”. Hank is not what I’d call a pro-aging “Enthusiast”, but he provides the best rundown on the science of aging and longevity I’ve ever seen. Plus, he lives in my hometown of Missoula (406 represent!) and his brother John Green is even cooler than Hank. Just don’t tell Hank I said that.
MK says
October 12, 2014 at 6:21 pmI am an AGNG 200 student at the Erickson School of Aging, and I found this post to be particularly interesting because our society today is obsessed with the concept of “curing aging,” as if it is a disease in and of itself. Aging is an inevitable part of the human life cycle, and Katie Couric is simply feeding into the hype of stopping the aging process with her post about curing aging. In my AGNG 200 class, we have discussed that many ailments associated with aging (such as hearing loss or Alzheimer’s disease) result in a decrease in the overall quality of life. I think it would be helpful if Katie Couric would use her platform to promote ideas of improving the overall quality of life in old age, rather than trying to avoid aging. We all have to go through the aging process, it would be more beneficial to focus on ways to improve the quality of it.
SeniorHomeCare says
September 5, 2014 at 12:56 pmAging will never be cured, people will live longer but technology can do so much
Paul Rhodes says
April 11, 2015 at 9:20 amYou don’t know aging will never be cured.
Kavan Peterson, Editor, ChangingAging.org says
April 12, 2015 at 12:41 pmMedicine has helped people avoid dying sooner, but no advance in science has extended the human lifespan by a single day. Sure, we can’t prove a negative (“aging will never be cured”) but in the absence of any evidence, I’m inclined to agree that aging probably won’t be “cured”.
Mary Ruth Johnson says
August 22, 2014 at 6:29 pmHank Green gives the current scientific info on aging. (I have fallen in love with Hank because of the truthful, fun, positive way he presents aging.) I’m very bothered with the words’ curing aging’ because I didn’t know there was anything in me that needs curing. I don’t mind being 70 because there is a great comfort in being 70. I don’t need to live as long as the mammoth 170 year old turtles mentioned in the article. (I bet those turtles are crabby!) I don’t mind the wrinkles because they define my journey. I still have the time to enjoy my friends, family, and grow creatively. Would I like to live to be 100, 170, 180? No, absolutely no. I will be happy to relinquish my place on earth someday in the future so that I can soar in freedom like I have never soared before. I just want the time to thank those I love deeply, say “I’m sorry” to those I have hurt. Maybe I also want to write the great American novel….. which could keep me here at least until 150.
On the more serious side, I spent the last 10 years of my career directing programs that enable elderly individuals to have a better quality of life. We need to enhance the quality of life before we extend the amount of years people will live. Our society also needs to address ‘death’ as a natural part of the life process. I have sat with many of my clients as they were dying. Dying is a spiritual journey and is full of gifts for those who have the courage to embrace the dying journey of someone else. There is no face life (although my chin is starting to sag a little), no absence of reality that will stop my life process. This is the richness of the wisdom my elderly clients (and friends) have taught me. Love life, live well and accept the inevitable journeys that are bound into being human.
cathieborrie says
August 20, 2014 at 7:57 pm“Millions long for immortality who don’t know what to do with themselves on a rainy Sunday afternoon.” Susan Ertz.
Amen!
Kavan Peterson, Editor, ChangingAging.org says
August 21, 2014 at 1:01 pmAmen, amen!
Kavan Peterson, Editor, ChangingAging.org says
August 21, 2014 at 1:08 pmLuke! So glad you’re still reading the blog and thanks for the comment! I do find longevity science fascinating from every angle — scientifically, socially, philosophically, spiritually and practically speaking. Did you see my post when I got to take Aubrey de Grey out for a beer a couple years ago? Everybody I talked to at his lecture was into cryonics. I can’t say I’m that interested in preserving my body for some hypothetical cure in the future, but who knows what I’ll think when I’m closer to dying… From a scifi standpoint I do think cryonics will be an important aspect in deep space travel.