Coping with Methuselah : The Impact of Molecular Biology on Medicine and Society

Many medical authorities predict that average life expectancy could well exceed 100 years by mid century and rise even higher soon thereafter. This astonishing prospect, brought on by the revolution in molecular biology and information technology, confronts policymakers and public health officials with a host of new questions. How will increased longevity affect local and global demographic trends, government taxation and spending, health care, the workplace, Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid? What ethical and quality-of-life issues are raised by these new breakthroughs? In Coping with Methuselah, a group of practicing scientists and public policy experts come together to address the problems, challenges, and opportunities posed by a longer life span. This book will generate discussion in political, social, and medical circles and help prepare us for the extraordinary possibilities that the future may hold. Contributors include John T. Potts, M.D. (Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard University), William B. Schwartz, M.D. (University of Southern California), Henry J. Aaron (Brookings), Benjamin Harris (Brookings), John B. Shoven (Stanford University), Gary Burtless (Brookings), Alan M. Garber, M.D. (Stanford University), Dana Goldman (RAND), Alexander Capron (University of Southern California), Barry Bosworth (Brookings), Benjamin Keys (Brookings). In Coping With Methuselah, A Group Of Practicing Scientists And Public Policy Experts Come Together To Address The Problems, Challenges, And Opportunities Posed By A Longer Life Span. This Book Will Generate Discussion In Political, Social, And Medical Circles And Help Prepare Us For The Extraordinary Possibilities That The Future May Hold.--jacket. Introduction / Henry J. Aaron, William B. Schwartz -- The Impact Of The Revolution In Biomedical Research On Life Expectancy By 2050 / John T. Potts, William B. Schwartz. Comment By Nicholas Wade -- Our Uncertain Demographic Future / Henry J. Aaron, Benjamin H. Harris. Comment By Stephen Goss -- The Changing Face Of Health Care / Alan M. Garber, Dana P. Goldman -- Labor Market Effects Of Dramatic Longevity Improvement / Gary Burtless. Comment By Dora L. Costa -- The Impact Of Major Improvements In Life Expectancy On The Financing Of Social Security, Medicare, And Medicaid / John B. Shoven. Comment By William G. Gale -- Ethical Aspects Of Major Increases In Life Span And Life Expectancy / Alexander M. Capron. Comment By Margaret P. Battin -- Increased Life Expectancy: A Global Perspective / Barry P. Bosworth, Benjamin Keys. Comment By Martin Baily. Henry J. Aaron, William B. Schwartz, Editors. Includes Bibliographical References And Index.

Many medical authorities predict that average life expectancy could well exceed 100 years by mid century and rise even higher soon thereafter. This astonishing prospect, brought on by the revolution in molecular biology and information technology, confronts policymakers and public health officials with a host of new questions. How will increased longevity affect local and global demographic trends, government taxation and spending, health care, the workplace, Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid? What ethical and quality-of-life issues are raised by these new breakthroughs? In Coping with Methuselah, a group of practicing scientists and public policy experts come together to address the problems, challenges, and opportunities posed by a longer life span. This book will generate discussion in political, social, and medical circles and help prepare us for the extraordinary possibilities that the future may hold.

Introduction / Henry J. Aaron and William B. Schwartz The impact of the revolution in biomedical research on life expectancy by 2050 / John T. Potts and William B. Schwartz. Comment by Nicholas Wade Our uncertain demographic future / Henry J. Aaron and Benjamin H. Harris. Comment by Stephen Goss The changing face of health care / Alan M. Garber and Dana P. Goldman Labor market effects of dramatic longevity improvement / Gary Burtless. Comment by Dora L. Costa The impact of major improvements in life expectancy on the financing of Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid / John B. Shoven. Comment by William G. Gale Ethical aspects of major increases in life span and life expectancy / Alexander M. Capron. Comment by Margaret P. Battin Increased life expectancy: a global perspective / Barry P. Bosworth and Benjamin Keys. Comment by Martin Baily. THE CAPACITY TO manipulate the genetic templates that shape all living beings was long the plaything of science fiction.