The Fight Over the Future

Book excerpt: Throughout our history, humans have been fascinated by the possibility of improving the length and quality of life. In the past, this was the purview of poets and philosophers but increasingly this is becoming the hard targets for science and medicine. But what are the social, ethical and economic ramifications of extending life? This book highlights debates between the country's top scientists, political experts, journalists and ethicists as the come face to face to share their futuristic, and often radical, predictions and views. At a time when our country's older population is increasing at an unprecedented rate, these experts cautiously contemplate the public policy consequences of advances in the science of aging. These transcripts are the products of monthly debates and interviews hosted on SAGECrossroads.net, a unique web portal committed to shining a bright and often controversial spotlight on emerging issues surrounding aging research. SAGE Crossroads is an initiative of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, SAGE KE, and the Alliance for Aging Research.