AGING SCIENCE HAS COME OF AGE

摘要

The seeds of aging science were planted thousands of years ago – but visible today is a fully blossomed tree that should bear fruit in our lifetime. The tree of aging science took root in the late 19^th century; sprouted in the early 20^th century; become full grown during the last 50 years; and now appears ready to yield benefits that could rival the most important discoveries in public health. Here I will tell the story of one branch of aging science that has led to the modern realization that our longer lives are a wonderful gift -- but it came with a Faustian trade. The longer we live, the more important biological aging becomes as a risk factor for fatal and disabling diseases. Continued life extension using the current medical model could yield an extended period of frailty and disability – A new paradigm of public health is now warranted.