Our success is killing us

[Kurn, son of Mogh]

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The aims of technology vary. In the case noted regarding the extension of longevity in men and women the aim of much of technology is to cure our ills with the resulting increase is noted in increased longevity. Technology is blind and the results can vary widely.

Is increasing human longevity a good or is it a bad. Certainly most people want to live longer so most people consider it to be a good. What might be the bad aspects of an ever increasing human longevity?

1) Overpopulation
2) Lingering death
3) Human health resources directed toward the aged rather than the children
4) The lack of financial resources in old age leading to lack of dignity in old age
5) Recognition by the aged of their burden to their loved ones
6) How do we handle increasing longevity when old folks do not die thus making room for new people?
7) Will this lead to a war between the generations?

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OK. Now let me recast your question.

You're basically saying that technology has made it possible for people to live too long and now you see those old people as hurting your chance (let me guess, you're under 30) to maximize your potential because they won't die and get out of your way.

Here's a movie for you.

[madnak]

I don't think the wisdom to use power safely can come before power. So I think there's an inevitable "hump" to get across where we have more power than we know how to use, and where there is a risk of destruction. I'd like to get over the hump asap.

[ZeeJustin]

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That women live longer than men is (afaik) a simple result of biology.

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And not the fact that there is more than 10 times (a lot more, varying from country to country) the amount of dollars (or whatever currency) spent on females, gender specific diseases research, than males gender specific diseases reserach?

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What about the fact that men are more likely to have dangerous jobs or be soldiers, etc. Maybe I'm just way overestimating the effect of that.

[MidGe]

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That women live longer than men is (afaik) a simple result of biology.

[/ QUOTE ]

And not the fact that there is more than 10 times (a lot more, varying from country to country) the amount of dollars (or whatever currency) spent on females, gender specific diseases research, than males gender specific diseases reserach?

[/ QUOTE ]

What about the fact that men are more likely to have dangerous jobs or be soldiers, etc. Maybe I'm just way overestimating the effect of that.

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I think also a factor, but it doesn't explain the fact that mortality for males is higher than female for all ages grouping, including infants whereas a much larger investment in female gender specific medical research may explain this phenomena.

[InTheDark]

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That women live longer than men is (afaik) a simple result of biology.

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Off to re-education camp with you. Say hello to Larry Summers.

[tame_deuces]

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That women live longer than men is (afaik) a simple result of biology.

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Off to re-education camp with you. Say hello to Larry Summers.

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Like I already stated, cultural factors slipped my mind as I wrote the post. Reading a thread through is a good habit as it saves us stuff like this. Anyways, the point stands with the adjustment - there are differences in biology that explains some of the difference.

[tame_deuces]

As for the Larry Summers thing: After wikiing on who he is, I still don't get it. I haven't even mentioned anything about innate abilities.

In my view there should be more women in high-end science and engineering, so we don't miss out on all the great engineers and scientists from 50% of the populace and we could add some extra competition on existing positions to increase quality. Simply said - I don't share a single idea with this guy, and I don't appreciate arbitrary connections like this being made between my views and something I oppose strongly. I don't think anyone does.

[StayHungry]