Breakthroughs in Aging Research: Scientific Progress and Social Implications an Introduction

The potential for understanding and intervening in the aging process itself may result in far greater numbers of older people and greater changes in the characteristics of populations than was imagined even in the recent past. To further this discussion, experts were gathered from around the country for a 1-day conference on April 30, 2004. The goal of the conference was to initiate a discussion about altering the human life span-the potential benefits and consequences. To begin these conversations now will permit individuals and society to plan for such changes and develop policies that will allow each of us to enjoy the benefits of extraordinary longevity while minimizing the adverse consequences. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)