According to the U.S. Census projections, by 2050 there will be 400,000 Americans that are 100 years or older!
In fact, due to all the advances scientists have been having with laboratory animals and increasing lifespan, it probably won’t be long until people can opt for treatments that will allow them to live to 120.
But, do people want to live that long?
Pew research recently conducted a survey that explored this issue.
56% of Americans surveyed wouldn’t want the treatments and 69% see the ideal lifespan as 79-100 years of age.
I’m not sure I would want to live to 120.
I love my life, but as a 40 year old, I’m not sure I want to live another 80 years. Does living to 120 mean….
- I’ll have to work another 60 years?
- I’ll be alive but spend the last 20 years not being able to do the things I love?
- I’ll be holding on to this life, but delaying something even better that awaits after death?
The survey also brings up a lot of interesting questions like, will only the wealthy be able to afford this treatment and what will be the societal impacts living to 120?
Read the full survey results here for yourself.
How about you? What are your thoughts about living to 120?