Earlier this year, on MeetUp.com, I discovered “Skeptics in the Pub” (not my spelling) and have since attended a couple of the events. Informal and informative, they are even better than Radio 4.
Last night’s was “Defeating Aging and Other Dramatic Goals”, the speaker was Dr. Aubrey de Grey, of the SENS Foundation. Although I was not familiar with Dr de Grey, how could I resist?
First, Aubrey drew attention to how we currently perceive and treat aging. Considered inevitable, we treat symptoms, not causes (isn’t that always the way?).
He then presented a metaphor to introduce his own thoughts. A Land Rover performs fully for 50 years because it was built to do so. A VW Beetle, not built to do so, can perform equally well for 50 years - through maintenance.
He explained that we are not yet equal to maintaining our build; the human metabolism. Science is nowhere near unravelling our mysteries; the audience chuckled their agreement. Aubrey and the SENS Foundation therefore adopt a different approach; rejuvenation.
Aubrey asserts that we are within striking distance of being able to maintain our full health through maintenance, in the form of rejuvenation not prevention. He described a cycle of continuous improvement and scientific development that will enable humans to reverse damage (pathology) that occurs over time. In effect, turning back our clocks. Organs that fail would be replaced, cells that die will be removed, new cells will flourish. We would all enjoy peak adult health for far longer. Science would continue to anticipate challenges, and we would continue to be maintained. Indefinitely.
In spite of the provocative name of the presentation, and slogan on his sweatshirt (Conquer Aging), Aubrey did point out that this longevity was a side effect of successfully treating disease.
Aubrey’s ideas did not seem particularly radical to me. I have recently heard radio programmes on which scientists say 130 is already a feasible age for many of us.
I was surprised at Aubrey’s expectation that society was not comfortable or supportive of the prospect of continuous good health; “Don’t you believe society is already aiming for this? My grandmother’s confusion was considered a natural part of old age and a precursor of death, whereas I will be diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and benefit from treatment.” He agreed with this, adding that the treatments were not, however, rejuvenation; rather that they endeavour to maintain health rather than turn back the clock to better, younger health.
Aubrey did describe barriers he had overcome; he had come up against the establishment before achieving professional respect and credibility. Isn’t that always the way?
I’m sold, and think Dr. Aubrey de Grey should have at the same profile as Dr Brian Cox, also that I will be buying Ending Aging and that biomedicine will probably do more for us humans than physics will in the short, medium and long term.
How much could you learn and do if your life was prolonged?
