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The Sunday Read: ‘How Long Can We Live?’

Aug 29, 2021

Guest

Ferris Jabr

Join Ferris Jabr, a contributing writer for the New York Times Magazine, as he explores the intriguing concept of longevity. He delves into the life of Jeanne Calment, the oldest recorded person at 122, and discusses contrasting views on human lifespan limitations. With advancements in medicine and an increase in centenarians, Jabr debates whether lifespan is capped or infinitely elastic. He also examines the ethical dilemmas surrounding longevity, questioning if living beyond typical limits is truly desirable.

41:13

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ANECDOTE

Jeanne Calment's Long Life

Jeanne Calment, a French woman, lived to be 122 years old.
She enjoyed leisurely pursuits like cycling, painting, and indulging in port, cigarettes, and chocolate.

insights

INSIGHT

Unbroken Record

Despite increasing lifespans, Calment's record remains unbroken after 25 years.
Scientists debate whether this represents a limit on human lifespan.

insights

INSIGHT

Pessimists vs. Optimists

Scientists debate the limits of human lifespan, divided into "pessimists" and "optimists."
Pessimists believe we are near the limit, while optimists see potential for much longer lifespans.

Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode

The Secrets of Longevity: Jeanne Calment's Legacy

02:35 • 17min

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Exploring the Limits of Human Longevity

19:31 • 3min

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The Science of Aging and Longevity

22:47 • 14min

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The Complex Legacy of Longevity and Mortality

36:57 • 5min

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2018 Breakthroughs in Science

Biomedical Research and Other Notable Discoveries

Various Researchers

In 2018, several groundbreaking studies were published, including those on single-cell analysis, RNA drugs, and phase separation in cells. These discoveries were highlighted as part of *Science*'s Breakthrough of the Year, focusing on biomedical sciences and their potential to transform our understanding of life and disease.

The Limit on Human Lifespan

Exploring the Biological and Physiological Bounds

Not specified

Research suggests that there may be a biological limit to human lifespan, potentially ranging between 120 and 150 years. This limit is influenced by factors such as the body's ability to repair itself and the onset of age-related diseases. While some studies propose a fixed limit, others argue that advances in medicine could potentially extend lifespan beyond current records.

The Quest for Immortality

S. Jay Olshansky

Bruce Carnes

Pleiotropy, Natural Selection, and the Evolution of Senescence

None

George C. Williams

This influential paper by George C. Williams explores the concept of antagonistic pleiotropy as an explanation for the evolution of senescence. It builds upon ideas similar to those of Peter Medawar, discussing how natural selection's effectiveness decreases with age, leading to the accumulation of genes with early benefits but late-life costs.

Kirkwood's proposal on aging

Thomas Kirkwood

How Long Can We Live?

Bethany Healy

Scientific American Explores Big Ideas

Exploring the Latest Science-Related Issues and Discoveries

Various Experts

This series delves into compelling ideas and questions of our time, inspiring readers to think critically about the world. It covers a range of modern science-related topics, enhancing understanding of evolving challenges.

No specific book found

Vince Houghton's works do not include a book on this topic

Vince Houghton

Vince Houghton is known for his work as the Director of the National Cryptologic Museum and his discussions on cryptography. However, he has not written a book that focuses exclusively on cryptology and cryptography in movies and pop culture. His books include 'Nuking the Moon' and 'The Nuclear Spies', which cover different aspects of intelligence history.

No specific book found

Vince Houghton's works do not include a book on this topic

Vince Houghton

Medawar's ideas on aging

Peter Medawar

Lifespan

Why We Age—and Why We Don’t Have To

David Sinclair

In this book, Dr. David Sinclair presents a bold new theory on why we age, arguing that aging is a disease that can be treated. He discusses recent breakthroughs from his own lab at Harvard, including the activation of newly discovered vitality genes and the role of epigenetics and metabolism in aging. The book explores lifestyle changes such as intermittent fasting, cold exposure, and exercise, as well as emerging anti-aging therapies, to help people live younger and healthier for longer. Sinclair also delves into the philosophical and ethical implications of extending human lifespan, emphasizing that these methods are not against nature but rather a continuation of human efforts to improve health and longevity.

The immortalist

Alan Harrington

In 'The Immortalist', Alan Harrington presents a bold argument for achieving immortality through scientific advancements, critiquing religious and philosophical perspectives that accept mortality. He advocates for a concerted effort to extend human lifespan, drawing parallels with ambitious projects like the Apollo missions. The book delves into the implications of immortality on human society and existence.

Jeanne Calment lived her entire life in the South of France. She filled her days with leisurely pursuits, enjoying a glass of port, a cigarette and some chocolate nearly every day. In 1997, Ms. Calment died. She was 122.

With medical and social advances mitigating diseases of old age and prolonging life, the number of exceptionally long-living people is increasing sharply. But no one is known to have matched, let alone surpassed, Ms. Calment’s record.

Longevity scientists hold a wide range of nuanced perspectives on the future of humanity. Some consider life span to be like a candle wick, burning for a limited time. While others view it as a supremely, maybe even infinitely elastic band.

As the eminent physicist Richard Feynman put it in a 1964 lecture, “There is nothing in biology yet found that indicates the inevitability of death.”

This story was written by Ferris Jabr and recorded by Audm. To hear more audio stories from publications like The New York Times, download Audm for iPhone or Android.

Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

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