Melvyn Bragg and guests delve into the implications of ageing, with a focus on economic factors and longevity. They discuss debunking myths around ageing, theories on longevity, and the impact of science on extending health span. The conversation also touches on the global impact of ageing on societies, including political influences and challenges faced by different regions.
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Quick takeaways
Improvements in public health and healthcare have led to a significant increase in global life expectancy, challenging the belief that aging is inevitable.
The disposable soma theory suggests that biological systems do not necessarily deteriorate with age, emphasizing the potential for science to alter the aging process and extend health span.
Deep dives
The Impact of Aging: A Revolution in Longevity
The podcast discusses the significant increase in the global aging population and the implications of this trend. In 1900, only 1% of the world's population was over 65, but by the 1990s, this number grew to nearly 8%. By 2020, it is projected that almost one-fifth of the world's population will be over 65. The improved public health, antibiotics, vaccines, nutrition, and medical care have all contributed to the increase in life expectancy. The podcast challenges the view that aging is inevitable, highlighting the importance of recognizing that biological systems do not necessarily have to deteriorate with time.
The Disposable Soma Theory: Aging and Immortality
The podcast delves into the disposable soma theory proposed by Professor Tom Kirkwood, which distinguishes between germ cells (which are immortal) and soma cells (which degenerate). Kirkwood argues that the soma cells do not need extensive maintenance and repair because they are not programmed to live forever. Rather, their function is to keep the body in good shape until accidents or external factors lead to death. While aging is a natural process, Kirkwood challenges the notion that it is inevitable and highlights the active role that science can play in altering the aging process and extending health span.
Socio-Economic Perspectives on Aging
The podcast explores the social and economic implications of an aging population. It emphasizes that the meaning and perception of old age are socially and economically determined, rather than solely biological. Professor Alan Walker stresses the importance of addressing age discrimination and redefining the life course to accommodate the increasing longevity. This involves changing the traditional model of work and retirement, encouraging extended employment, and challenging preconceived notions about older people. The podcast also highlights the need for adequate resources and support systems to improve the quality of life and well-being of older individuals, particularly for those facing socio-economic constraints.
Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss ageing. In 1900, 1% of the world’s population were over 65. In the 1990s nearly 8% are. By the year 2020, nearly 1/5th of the world’s population will be over 65 - the figure rises to 25% in the UK. We are now living longer than at any time in our history. How much do economic factors, rather than biological factors, determine what ageing really means and our attitude to it? And what are the ethical, economic and biological implications of living longer?Tom Kirkwood, is an expert on the science of ageing and he brings to bear a close study of how the ageing process is being arrested and speculates on the very great age some of us could and will reach. He has said: “Today’s older people are the vanguard of an extraordinary revolution in longevity that is radically changing the structure of society and altering our perceptions of life and death. The price for this success - and make no mistake it is a success - is that we now face the challenge of ageing.”Alan Walker is an expert in the sociology of ageing and he takes in the whole context, especially the economic dimension. With Professor Alan Walker, social gerontologist, advisor to the UN’s programme on Ageing and has chaired the European Commission’s observatory on Ageing and Older People; Professor Tom Kirkwood, Britain’s first professor of Biological Gerontology, University of Manchester and President of the British Society for Research into Ageing.
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