Longevity and Aging: The Moral Imperative | Carolyn Ringel | TEDxBoston

Core Argument - The central argument is that aging should be treated as a disease, warranting the same level of research and resources as other deadly conditions [1][2][3] - The industry aims to shift public perception, as currently only 41% of Americans believe medical treatments to slow aging would be beneficial for society [3] - The industry emphasizes the need to convince investors and politicians about the value of longevity research, given that over half of Americans may not support it [5][6] Ethical Considerations & Counterarguments - The industry addresses concerns that aging research will only benefit the wealthy by arguing that aging affects everyone, and the solution is to expand access to healthcare, not limit it [8][9] - The industry refutes the argument that a growing older population will deplete Earth's resources, citing advancements in sustainable technology and the low consumption rates of long-lived societies [10][11][12] - The industry challenges the notion that longer lifespans will bankrupt social security systems, highlighting the potential for older individuals to remain productive and contribute trillions of dollars to the GDP [13][14] - The industry addresses the concern of competing healthcare priorities by reiterating that aging is a root cause of many diseases, making it a crucial area for investment [15][16] Societal Impact - The industry argues that social structures should adapt to changing needs, as they already have, rather than hindering progress in longevity research [18][19] - The industry dismisses the idea that progress will stagnate with longer lifespans, pointing to the current rapid pace of technological change despite increasing longevity [20][21] - The industry counters the existential argument that life's meaning is tied to its finite nature, asserting that value comes from contributions and engagement, which can be amplified by a longer life [21][22][23] - The industry challenges the notion that fighting death is unnatural, comparing it to other accepted medical interventions like antibiotics and organ transplants [23][24] Call to Action - The industry advocates for expanding healthspan and lifespan research to uncover the root causes of diseases and increase the number of years people can actively contribute to society [26] - The industry urges stakeholders to advocate for aging research and increase public support from 41% to 100%, emphasizing its potential to improve the world [27]