Ethics, Health Policy and (Anti-) Aging: Mixed Blessings (Ethics and Health Policy Book 1)

This volume focuses on the ethical and philosophical issues that arise in an aging society, and the implications of these issues for healthcare and social policy. After a brief overview of biomedicine's changing approach of ageing and longevity and of the new expectations that these changes generate, various ethical, social, and policy issues that surround aging and longevity are discussed. First, the images and social meanings of aging and old age in our society are explored, including their normative dimensions and implications for policy. Next, ethical issues in the care for frail elderly are discussed, as well as notion of good care and end-of-life decisions. Finally, the ethical and social implications of emerging possibilities for anti-aging and lifespan extension are considered. The book concludes with an overview of the relevance of the issues discussed for policy making on professional, national and international levels.​ Front Matter....Pages 1-1 Front Matter....Pages 1-1 Introduction....Pages 3-11 Built to Last?....Pages 13-28 The Anti-Aging Movement....Pages 29-40 Do We Need an Anthropology of the Aging Person and What should it Look Like?....Pages 41-58 The Implicit Anthropology of Bioethics and the Problem of the Aging Person....Pages 59-71 On Old Age—Impressions of a Geriatrician....Pages 73-77 You don’t Grow Old on Your Own....Pages 79-87 Front Matter....Pages 89-89 Aging Beyond Frailty: The Future of Old Age....Pages 91-104 Former Wishes and Current Desires....Pages 105-118 Death Wishes of the Elderly: Is There a Task for Doctors?....Pages 119-134 Imagining Good Aging....Pages 135-146 Justice and the Elderly....Pages 147-169 Front Matter....Pages 171-171 Ethical Perspectives in Biogerontology....Pages 173-188 Immortal Ethics....Pages 189-196 Will You... When I’m Sixty Four?....Pages 197-207 Old Age Is an Incurable Disease—or Is It?....Pages 209-224 A “Longevity Dividend” for All?....Pages 225-236 Front Matter....Pages 237-237 Healthy Aging and Personal Responsibility....Pages 239-249 Biogerontology: A Promising Route to Cost Containment in Healthcare?....Pages 251-265 Aging Under the Looking-Glass....Pages 267-290 Back Matter....Pages 280-280 This volume is about the ethical and philosophical issues that arise in an aging society, and the implications of these issues for healthcare- and social policy. After a brief overview of biomedicine's changing approach of ageing and longevity and of the new expectations that these changes generate, various ethical, social, and policy issues that surround aging and longevity are discussed. First, the images and social meanings of aging and old age in our society are explored, including their normative dimensions and implications for policy. Next, ethical issues in the care for frail elderly are discussed, as well as notion of good care and end-of-life decisions. Finally, the ethical and social implications of emerging possibilities for anti-aging and lifespan extension are considered. The book concludes with an overview of the relevance of the issues discussed for policy making on professional, national and international levels