May 29, 2052, it would appear.
Heart attack 50%, Cancer 13% (wait, I thought I was Cancer); then
alcoholism (get real); auto-erotic asphyxiation (ex-Squeeze me?); or, wait
for it, a five percent chance of dying of auto-fellatio.
Methinks they're clutching at straws. I expect to see three figures - at
which point most of you will be dead.
Unless they work out how to turn off ageing, of course. Any comment from
the biosciences mob?
<voice="lecturer">
Speaking on behalf of the Biosciences mob, I can say, with reasonable
assurance, that it is possible, even now, to live to three figures. However,
a better phrase would be to exist for three figures. With today's medical
technology, whilst it is possible to extend life almost indefinately, we
cannot prevent degenerative diseases, especially those of the brain.
Nevertheless, it is more than likely advances in medical science will allow
limited brain regeneration, probably coming from recent research in
embryonic stem cells. Complete "immortality" is not likely within the
immediate future, but research continues, and simply not known what secrets
biotechnology companies have discovered, but refuse to inform the world
until their international patenmt is approved.
Another point must also be considered - the best medical technology in the
world cannot prevent accidental death. Imagine this scenario; you, aged 136,
are walking down the street after your new liver implant, which has been
grown from a tissue culture of your left gluteus maximus. Quite happy with
the way the robo-surgeons patched up the wound without leaving a scar (laser
scalpels and skin cultures on a collagen skeleton), you turn the corner and
walk straight off of the maglev pedestrian carriage, without first
activating your personal anti-grav chute. You plummet 600 feet from the
highest allowable level of three-dimensional traffic control (a sort of
multi-level road). Alerted by your wrist-computer which has detected failing
life signs, the paramedics are there within minutes, but are unable to save
your body, which is too badly damaged after landing on a tree. However,
there is a full-body clone with brainwave back-up waiting for you back at
the hospital. You have been keeping your life insurance (quite literally)
payments up to date now, haven't you...?
And so on. In conclusion, it is only necessary to say that although medical
science can perform the impossible, miracles really do take that little bit
longer.
</voice>
To be honest, I'm more worried about dying from auto-fellatio. Is it
physically possible without mechanical assistance, or is it medical science
to the rescue again?
Ron
