Coping with Methuselah : the impact of molecular biology on medicine and society / Henry J. Aaron, William B. Schwartz, editors.

Format:

Book

Contributor:

Brookings Institution.

Aaron, Henry J.

Schwartz, William B., 1922-2009.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Longevity--Social aspects.

Longevity.

Life expectancy--Social aspects.

Life expectancy.

Old age--Social aspects.

Old age.

Medical technology--Social aspects.

Medical technology.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (313 p.)

Edition:

1st ed.

Place of Publication:

Washington, D.C. : Brookings Institution Press, c2004.

Language Note:

English

Summary:

Many medical authorities predict that average life expectancy could well exceed 100 years by mid century and rise even higher soon thereafter. This astonishing prospect, brought on by the revolution in molecular biology and information technology, confronts policymakers and public health officials with a host of new questions. How will increased longevity affect local and global demographic trends, government taxation and spending, health care, the workplace, Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid? What ethical and quality-of-life issues are raised by these new breakthroughs? In Coping with Methuselah, a group of practicing scientists and public policy experts come together to address the problems, challenges, and opportunities posed by a longer life span. This book will generate discussion in political, social, and medical circles and help prepare us for the extraordinary possibilities that the future may hold.

Contents:

Front Cover; Inside Flap; Title Page; Copyright Information; Table of Contents; Foreword; Acknowledgments; Introduction; The Impact of the Revolution in Biomedical Research on Life Expectancy by 2050; Our Uncertain Demographic Future; The Changing Face of Health Care; Labor Market Effects of Dramatic Longevity Improvement; The Impact of Major Improvements in Life Expectancy on the Financing of Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid; Ethical Aspects of Major Increases in Life Span and Life Expectancy; Increased Life Expectancy: A Global Perspective; Contributors; Index; Back Cover

Notes:

Papers presented at a conference held at the Brookings Institution, April 2002.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

ISBN:

9780815796305

0815796307

OCLC:

55941929