If you are under 60, you could live forever
Rejuvenation Therapy and the Path to Longevity Escape Velocity: An Interview with Aubrey de Grey
See full interview here
Imagine a future where aging no longer dictates how long we live, where death from old age is not a certainty but a choice. Aubrey de Grey, a leading scientist in the field of longevity, believes that this future is not just a possibility—it’s within reach. In an interview, de Grey shared bold predictions and insights about the progress being made in the field of rejuvenation therapy.
For anyone younger than 60 today, de Grey suggests that the odds of living indefinitely could be more than 50%, assuming we continue advancing at the current rate. This article delves into key takeaways from the interview and the exciting potential of longevity escape velocity (LEV).
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What is Longevity Escape Velocity (LEV)?
LEV refers to the point in time when medical advancements are able to extend human life faster than aging occurs, essentially allowing individuals to live indefinitely. Aubrey de Grey, a pioneer of the concept, believes that if current trends in rejuvenation technology continue, LEV could be achieved in as little as 12 to 15 years—around the late 2030s. If you're still in reasonably good health by that time, the odds are in your favor to live a much longer life, possibly forever.
For those in their 40s and 50s today, the likelihood of benefiting from these advancements is high, according to de Grey. He suggests that the first wave of rejuvenation therapies will target people in their 60s, meaning those in their 40s now could potentially live to see the advent of this life-altering technology.
?@Bryan Johnson is also one of the persons, who expect to live 150+ years, that we talk about.
The Path to Rejuvenation: What We Know So Far
Rejuvenation therapies will focus on repairing and reversing the damage that accumulates in our bodies as we age. This is not about preventing people from accidents or curing all diseases, but rather addressing the biological mechanisms of aging itself. De Grey emphasizes that aging should not be seen as a mysterious process separate from diseases like cancer, heart disease, or Alzheimer's. Instead, these diseases are byproducts of the damage caused by aging, which de Grey believes can be tackled head-on with the right medical interventions.
The path to LEV is not about discovering a single “wonder pill.” Instead, it’s a "divide and conquer" approach where different therapies will address various types of damage in the body.
From gene therapy and stem cell treatments to targeting senescent cells (often referred to as “zombie cells”) and lengthening telomeres, the interventions will gradually become more comprehensive. It’s not until we reach a certain level of completeness in these therapies that we’ll see significant extensions in life expectancy—possibly by 20 years or more in the initial stages.
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The Biological Clock vs. The Chronological Clock
A key takeaway from de Grey’s research is that biological age is more important than chronological age. In simple terms, how old your body “feels” internally based on its health is more relevant than the number of birthdays you've celebrated.
For example, a healthy 60-year-old could benefit just as much from rejuvenation therapies as someone in their 50s, provided they are in good health. De Grey emphasizes that biological age can be kept lower by following basic lifestyle advice: avoid smoking, maintain a healthy weight, get enough sleep, and eat a balanced diet. These small, common-sense actions can help you preserve your health until more advanced rejuvenation technologies become available.
What You Can Do Now – share the word and donate
Given the immense potential of rejuvenation therapies, the best thing you can do now is spread the word. De Grey highlights that raising awareness and advocating for further research is crucial to accelerating progress. Sharing information with your network, talking to friends, family, and colleagues, or donating to longevity research organizations are all meaningful actions you can take. According to de Grey, even small financial contributions can help push the science forward.
As he puts it, “Every dollar counts,” especially for underfunded areas of rejuvenation research. While billionaires like Jeff Bezos and Peter Thiel have invested in longevity research, grassroots donations and advocacy can have just as much impact. In fact, de Grey emphasizes that the poorer you are, the more wealthy people you may know, meaning that you can advocate for others to get involved, amplifying the movement.
Will Supplements and Current Health Trends Make a Difference?
When asked about popular trends like taking NAD boosters or following strict supplement regimens, de Grey is cautious. He believes that while these may offer small benefits, such as a year or two of extra life, they pale in comparison to the potential breakthroughs in rejuvenation therapies. The key, according to de Grey, is to understand your body and tailor your health practices accordingly, but not to rely solely on supplements to extend your lifespan. It’s the future therapies on the horizon that will make the real difference.
The Bigger Picture: A World Without Aging
If de Grey’s predictions come true, the implications for society are staggering. Living 500 years or more would change everything from how we plan our careers to how we approach relationships and retirement. The economic and political systems we have in place would need to adapt to a world where people live far longer, healthier lives. Pension plans, healthcare, and even social norms would undergo radical transformations.
One of the most significant shifts will be how people perceive aging itself. As de Grey notes, many people are irrationally resistant to the idea of living indefinitely. Some say they wouldn’t want to live forever, while others view it as impossible. However, as the science progresses and more people begin to see the feasibility of extended life, public opinion is likely to shift. Once high-profile scientists and media figures start advocating for longevity, the conversation will become mainstream, and the demand for these therapies will skyrocket.
The Time to Act Is Now
Aubrey de Grey’s vision for the future is both ambitious and thrilling. If you're in your 40s or 50s today and in good health, you may very well live to see the day when aging is no longer an inevitability. The best steps you can take now are to stay healthy, share this knowledge, and support the research that will bring us closer to LEV. The countdown to a world without aging has begun—now it’s up to us to accelerate it.
If anyone is keen to know more about the LEV Foundation or even donate the link is here:
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2 个月Very informative
https://youtu.be/rOUeFCtwzcQ?si=qnn7YQJVus4N_0Zj
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2 个月What a horrible thought. ??