Separating truth from hype, this book introduces readers to the topic of life extension in a holistic manner that provides scientific, historical, and cultural perspectives.
Front Cover.
Half Title Page.
Title Page.
Copyright Page.
Dedication.
Contents.
Acknowledgments.
Introduction.
The History of Antiaging from Myth to Modern Science: A Chronological History of an Idea.
1: Myth, Magic, and Folklore: Immortality in the Eras Before Science.
2: Changes in Religious Faith and the Rise of Antiaging Science.
3: Enlightened Aging.
4: Antiaging in the Industrial Age.
5: Antiaging in the 21st Century: From Theory to Practice.
Modern Paths to the Fountain of Youth: A Topical Approach to the Practice of Antiaging.
6: What is Life, That We May Extend It?.
7: What is Death, That We Might Delay It?.
8: What Makes Us Look Younger?.
9: What Makes Us Feel Younger?.
10: What Kills Us (and How Can We Escape)?.
11: What Can We Do Now to Extend Our Lives Without a Prescription?.
12: What Can We Do Now to Extend Our Lives with a Prescription and Future Technology?.
Views from the Experts: An Anthology of Views on the Implications of a Successful Antiaging Movement from a Spectrum of Disciplines.
13: Question: Can Science Really Develop a Fountain of Youth?.
14: Yes—The Prospect of Eventually Finding a Scientific Equivalent of the Fountain of Youth is Possible, Eventually.
15: No—The Human Life Span is not Easily Adjustable, But Longer Lives of Healthy Living are Possible.
16: Question: Does Youthfulness Breed Recklessness?.
17: Yes—If Society Remains Preoccupied by Youthful Lifestyles and Neglects Wisdom, It Will Breed Recklessness.
18: Maybe—Persistent Youthful Immaturity is Determined by Individuals’ Character, not Age.
19: No—An Older Population Will Likely Result in More Conservative Behaviors.
20: Question: Will the Benefits of Very Long Life Spans Outweigh the Social Costs?.
21: No—The Price of Radical Life Extension is Greater than Mere Money.
22: No—The Overemphasis on Vitality Will Likely Undermine the Subtle Nature of Moral Character.
23: Yes—Extended Life Spans Will not Substantially
