evolution

What would (or will) happen to society if (or when) people are able to live 120, 130, even 150 years or longer? An article at WorldChanging discusses these very issues, ones that no one seems to think about but are slowly creeping up on us — the World War II generation is in its 80s, and the Boomers are drifting toward 60 in vast numbers.

Remember when 60 used to be old? A 60-year old politician used to be decrepit, but we have two around that area in the news all the time: Sen. John Kerry, 60, windsurfs and engages in all sorts of athletic activities; and President Bush, 58, can benchpress over 200 pounds and regularly goes on bike rides of 15 miles or more. Neither “looks” 60 (whatever that means anymore).

The issues that arise when an entire generation of people are able to live for longer or even indefinite life spans are explored by science-fiction author Frederik Pohl in his “Heechee Saga“, a collection of five books about an alien race known as the Heechee, which are discovered by humankind and then provide us with all sorts of technology, such as faster-than-light travel and life-extending technology, including the ability to store one’s consciousness in data form, allowing one to indefinitely extend life. I borrowed them from my brother this summer; they are all excellent reads.

The WorldChanging article is an excellent read — well worth your time. My generation will almost certainly have to face some of these issues.