The development of the light microscope and the discovery of antimicrobial agents revolutionized medicine in the late 19th century, increasing human lifespan. The randomized control trial introduced in the 1940s further advanced medicine 2.0, particularly in areas like oncology and cardiovascular disease. While medicine 2.0 excels in infectious diseases and acute injuries, it has struggled with chronic diseases. The improvement in childbirth and fighting sepsis have contributed significantly to the increase in lifespan. Progress in other areas has been slow or nonexistent.
We spend too much of our health care focus on lifespan and not enough on healthspan--the quality of our life as we get older. So argues Dr. Peter Attia, author of Outlive: The Science and Art of Longevity. Attia speaks with EconTalk's Russ Roberts about what kills us, what slows us down as we age, and the weapons we have to allow us to live better and longer.