A notable increase in life expectancy
In recent decades, the world has witnessed a significant increase in the life expectancy of its population. Factors such as improved access to health services, improvement of sanitation and education have contributed to this phenomenon. At present, people not only live longer, but also have a higher probability of over one hundred years.
Revealing data about longevity
The United Nations have reported that global life expectancy was 71.7 years in 2022, a significant increase of twenty-one years compared to 1960. In addition, this trend is expected to continue, with a projection of about 77.2 years for 2050, thanks to the decrease in mortality rates.
An increase in the centenary population
The number of people reaching the age of one has increased exponentially. In 2015, there were approximately half a million centenaries, a figure that has more than four times recorded in 1990. Estimates suggest that by 2050 we could see up to 3.7 million centenary worldwide, a growth that is due to both natural factors and scientific advances.
The duality of longevity
For many, living more than a hundred years is a blessing, but for others it can be a load. A study by the International Aging Center reveals that the economy related to longevity contributed more than 325 billion euros to Spanish GDP in 2019, representing 26% of the total. Does this generate a debate: Are our societies ready to ensure a dignified quality of life to an increasing number of centenaries?
The ethical debate about longevity
With the increase in the elderly population, ethical issues are raised about longevity. There are those who argue that living more than a hundred years should be a universal right, while others warn about the possible consequences of a aging population in a system that may not be sustainable. Investment in research to develop medicines that extend life is a hot topic, with the concern that they can be accessible only to those who can pay them.
The future of longevity
Different research centers around the world work on the creation of the famous ‘longevity pill’, a drug that could transform the way we live in our lives. However, scientists warn that scientific progress can move faster than the necessary social adaptations, which could lead to intergenerational conflict. In the near future, we will have to ask ourselves if it is ethically acceptable to live for more than a hundred years and if we should consider limits on longevity.