Life Expectancy

 

In 2013, Google announced that it was forming a new company called “Calico,” with the goal of coming up with new ways to extend life and combat the deleterious effects of aging. Read the article on this company and possible approaches at the CNN website.

Imagine that average life expectancy rises to say, 140 years, and that the added years are healthy and vigorous for most people. For the Discussion, consider the effects that this life extension would have on individuals and society.

Answer the following questions for the Discussion:

How would this change in longevity affect individuals and their relationships? Would marriages be able to last 110 to 120 years? Or would divorce become even more common, with people re-marrying and having multiple sets of children during their lives? Explain your thinking.

How would an increase in longevity affect education and careers? For many years, workers expected to stay at the same company throughout their careers. Over the last couple decades that has changed, with people changing careers more than once in their lives, either out of interest or necessity. What if the average person could expect to have a work-life that lasted 90 or 100 years? Does it make sense to go to college once in life? To have only one or two careers? Explain your thinking.

How would society change? For example, if people retired at 110 years rather than at 70 years, how would this affect the number of jobs for new workers just coming out of high school or college? If people live longer, would that prevent younger people from rising in careers and professions? For example, if professional athletes could remain competitive into their sixties, would it make sense for any young person to try to become a professional athlete?

Sample Solution

A dramatic increase in life expectancy would have a profound impact on individuals and their relationships. Marriages that last for 110 to 120 years would be possible, but they would also face new challenges. Couples would need to find ways to keep their relationships fresh and engaging over such a long period of time. They would also need to be prepared for the possibility that their partners might change and grow in different ways over the course of their lives.

Divorce could become more common, as people have more opportunities to find new partners who are better suited to their current needs and interests. However, it is also possible that people would become more committed to their marriages, knowing that they have a lifetime to build a strong and lasting relationship.

People might also choose to have multiple sets of children during their lives. This could be seen as a way to have children at different stages of their own lives, or to have children with different partners. It could also be a way to ensure that they have children who are close in age to them, even as they age.

How would an increase in longevity affect education and careers?

An increase in longevity would have a significant impact on education and careers. People would have more time to pursue multiple degrees and careers. They would also have more time to gain experience in different fields. This could lead to a more educated and experienced workforce.

However, it could also lead to a more competitive job market. As people live longer, they will be able to stay in the workforce longer. This could make it more difficult for younger workers to find jobs.

In addition, the nature of work itself could change. As people live longer, they may be more likely to work flexible hours or telecommute. They may also be more likely to take breaks from their careers to pursue other interests.

How would society change?

A dramatic increase in life expectancy would lead to a number of changes in society. For example, the population would age. This would put a strain on social security and other programs that are designed to support the elderly.

In addition, the economy would need to adapt to a workforce that is older and more experienced. Businesses would need to find ways to attract and retain older workers. They would also need to find ways to accommodate the needs of workers who are caring for elderly parents or grandchildren.

Overall, a dramatic increase in life expectancy would have a profound impact on individuals, families, and society as a whole. It would be a challenge to adapt to such a change, but it would also be an opportunity to create a more just and equitable society.

 

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