Is extending life the right thing to do?
- Javier Irizarry
- Feb 6, 2023
- 2 min read

Whether extending life is the "right" thing to do is subjective and depends on one's values, beliefs, and ethical perspectives. Some people believe that extending life is a positive goal because it allows people to experience more of life and pursue their goals. Others believe that there are limits to how long people should live and that extending life may interfere with the "natural" order of things or place a burden on society. There are also concerns about the potential social and ethical implications of life extension technologies. Ultimately, the answer to this question is a matter of personal opinion.
Here at Xanathos we want life extension to be a choice people can make, and when the choice is available, to encourage people to live longer. There is nothing unnatural about living longer, knowing that many species live longer than humans and that some do not age at all (see full article).
The potential for longer human lifespan raises a number of ethical and social concerns. Some of the bioethics impacted by humans living longer include:
Resource allocation: If people live longer, there will be increased demand for healthcare, housing, and other resources, which could lead to competition and unequal access to these resources.
Overpopulation: Longer lifespans could lead to an increase in population size, which could in turn lead to resource depletion and environmental degradation.
Ageism: The aging population may face discrimination and reduced opportunities in the workforce and society, leading to social and economic inequalities.
Quality of life: Prolonged lifespan may not always be accompanied by good health, which could result in a longer period of illness and disability.
End-of-life care: As people live longer, end-of-life care could become more complex, leading to ethical considerations about the use of life-sustaining treatments and the provision of palliative care.
Workforce and economy: An aging population could lead to workforce shortages, changes in the economy, and challenges for pension systems.
Intergenerational equity: Longer lifespans could result in a longer period of dependency on younger generations, leading to questions about intergenerational equity and the distribution of resources and responsibilities.
These are just a few examples of the many ethical and social considerations raised by the potential for longer human lifespans. It's important to engage in ongoing dialog and debate to address these issues and ensure that the benefits and challenges of longer human lifespan are addressed in an equitable and ethical manner.
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