the social problems that might accom- pany a larger elderly population-greater numbers of invalids, more costly health and retirement programs, the development of a gerontoc- racy. Longevity would increase only over the course of decades, leaving plenty of time to make the necessary adjustments.
Medawar worries that unnecessary fears will deter us from pursuing life-extending research. As an antidote, he proposes that a small group of volunteers be the first to try life artificially prolonged to...