A long life
Horizons No. 147
Does strong or weak scientific evidence really matter when it comes to shaping the end of one's own life?
Live longer at any cost or enjoy the rest of your life? The concept of longevity is about reaching the highest possible age in the best possible health. This involves testing medications, intensive exercise and giving up many things. Advocates also rely on scientific findings from animal models – a rather flimsy basis. Then there is the opposite view: mortifying oneself is not worth living. Although many studies show that common pleasures such as smoking or drinking and little exercise reduce average life expectancy.
- Hope still dies
- Extraordinary tales of animal longevity
- Five opinions on an open end
- Everyone should grow old as they see fit
- Image series: The art of growing old
