Academic Journal
The ethics case for longevity science.
| Τίτλος: | The ethics case for longevity science. |
|---|---|
| Συγγραφείς: | Han ZZ; Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, University of Cambridge, United Kingdom., de Magalhães JP; Genomics of Ageing and Rejuvenation Lab, Department of Inflammation and Ageing, College of Medicine and Health, University of Birmingham, B15 2WB, United Kingdom; Uehiro Oxford Institute, University of Oxford, United Kingdom. Electronic address: jp@senescence.info. |
| Πηγή: | Ageing research reviews [Ageing Res Rev] 2026 May; Vol. 117, pp. 103054. Date of Electronic Publication: 2026 Feb 05. |
| Τύπος έκδοσης: | Journal Article; Review |
| Γλώσσα: | English |
| Στοιχεία περιοδικού: | Publisher: Elsevier Science Country of Publication: England NLM ID: 101128963 Publication Model: Print-Electronic Cited Medium: Internet ISSN: 1872-9649 (Electronic) Linking ISSN: 15681637 NLM ISO Abbreviation: Ageing Res Rev Subsets: MEDLINE |
| Imprint Name(s): | Original Publication: Oxford, UK : Elsevier Science, c2002- |
| Ιατρικοί όροι (MeSH): | Aging*/physiology , Geroscience*/ethics , Geriatrics*/ethics , Longevity*, Humans |
| Περίληψη: | Recent advances in biogerontology show that ageing is malleable, opening the possibility of delaying chronic disease and extending healthspan. Ethical debate has been dominated by consequentialist framings, balancing potential benefits against fears of overpopulation, inequality, or loss of meaning. We seek to further this discussion by grounding the case for longevity research not only in outcomes but also in respect for autonomy, self-ownership, and the intrinsic value of life itself. On this basis, we address three kinds of critiques: philosophical appeals to "naturalness", societal concerns about resources, justice and stagnation, and individual worries about meaning and boredom, showing that none provide decisive objections. Beyond rebuttal, we highlight neglected benefits: longevity research drives technological integration like the Apollo program, affirms the priority of existing persons over abstractions, and liberates individuals from rigid age-based expectations. The moral baseline must flip: the burden now falls on defenders of forced ageing to explain why preventable suffering should continue. (Copyright © 2026 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.) |
| Competing Interests: | Declaration of Competing Interest J.P.M is CSO of YouthBio Therapeutics, an advisor/consultant for the BOLD Longevity Growth Fund and NOVOS, and the founder of Magellan Science Ltd, a company providing consulting services in longevity science. Z.Z.H has no actual or potential perceived conflicts of interest to declare. |
| Contributed Indexing: | Keywords: Ageing; Biogerontology; Life-extension; Philosophy; Translational geroscience |
| Entry Date(s): | Date Created: 20260207 Date Completed: 20260707 Latest Revision: 20260804 |
| Update Code: | 20260805 |
| DOI: | 10.1016/j.arr.2026.103054 |
| PMID: | 41654143 |
| Βάση Δεδομένων: | MEDLINE |
| ISSN: | 1872-9649 |
|---|---|
| DOI: | 10.1016/j.arr.2026.103054 |