The Optispan Podcast with Matt Kaeberlein A Geroscience Roundtable: de Grey, Kennedy & Kaeberlein on the Path to Longevity Escape Velocity | 123
Aug 14, 2025
Join longevity pioneers Aubrey de Grey, a biomedical gerontologist focused on rejuvenation strategies, and Brian Kennedy, an expert in aging biology. They share fascinating insights on achieving longevity escape velocity, debating the benefits of damage-repair versus growth-slowing methods. Aubrey discusses his groundbreaking mouse studies and the search for effective combination therapies, while both express cautious optimism about emerging clinical applications. They emphasize the importance of transparency in experimental treatments and the future potential of biological age measurement.
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Aging As Accumulated Damage
- Aubrey de Grey argues aging is just accumulated damage and thus preventable with repair approaches.
- He feels growing cross-disciplinary tech and funding justify increased optimism about timelines.
50/50 Chance For Escape Velocity
- Aubrey gives a 50% chance of reaching longevity escape velocity by the late 2030s and cites increased funding as the main accelerator.
- He moved his earlier 20–25 year estimate closer because money has enabled rapid progress in key areas.
Stacking May Cancel Effects
- Brian Kennedy accepts longevity escape velocity concept but warns timelines are unclear and stacking interventions may cancel instead of add.
- He emphasizes rethinking development if current interventions cluster in one pathway.