Furthermore, critics of research in aging believe that it is unethical to develop techniques that increase human lifespan because such research has the potential to increase the numbers of an already booming population. In response to this, many researchers argue the research in aging is not only about allowing people to live longer lives, but even more so about allowing people to live healthier lives. D., author of Reversing Human Aging, also argues for the importance of the research, stating his beliefs that Within the next twenty years, research in aging will find a cure for most age-related diseases including Alzheimer s dementia, ateriosclerosis, and osteoarthiritis. With each new breakthrough, the goal of stopping or slowing aging comes closer within reach, in the hopes that humans will be able to live healthier for a larger portion of their lifespan. While this has the potential to increase human population as well, many researchers are optimistic that more can be done to enhance human health than to simply extend how long a person lives.
Genetic manipulation can only increase the maximum capacity for the human lifespan.
The actual lifespan is still very much dependent on how we interact with our environment says Dr. Campisi. Rominder Momi is a second year Molecular and Cellular Biology student.