Longevity

No one should want to live indefinitely. Here are some of the reasons why.

With each year on Earth past a certain age, problems compound. The toes deform, the knees degrade, the hips lose motion, and the back aches. The vagina dries out and the pecker becomes flaccid. The abdomen softens (no matter how many yoga classes you go to), the wrinkles of skin deepen, and the aging of the myocardium causes the heart to develop irregular beats. The eyes glaze over, and the senses of smell, hearing, and taste decline so much that you forget to drink enough water, and food tastes bland. Finally, the brain forgets all that came before—even who your family is. Each extended year into old age, the combination of failures multiplies.

So why search for longevity? No one wants you around. Your children and certainly their heirs can’t afford you, nor can society. Your wisdom is already in your AI avatar, and, in that way, you are immortal. Every word you have ever written, every email, text, recorded voicemail or lecture or presentation is being stored and analyzed to the point where, not only can your future avatar self predict what you would say to your great grandchild when asked for advice, but the advice will be given in your voice, from your face (at whatever age you or they choose) and with far better context than you could possibly provide today—or ever. You won’t get to enjoy it, but your contributions today, your creativity, your happiness, and personality will all be there—so make the most of life now.

The only rational goal is the highest possible quality of life today, and every day that we have. No supplement, no diet alone, no drug, no genetic medication, no surgery has been shown to improve or extend your healthspan more than daily exercise. Exercise lengthens telomeres, improves muscle mass, strengthens bones, improves mental acuity, and —when done with other people—brings the additional benefits of socialization to your life. Exercise is the best dopamine release agent, testosterone stimulant, pheromone extruder, and adrenaline booster. And exercise is free.

The buzzwords in longevity are “lifespan” and “health span.” A long, miserable life is not desirable. A healthy, fit, socially and physically active life is nirvana. The tools to realize this are in everyone’s hands. Get outside, smell the fresh air, and find a way to breathe hard. It’s easy and, when you feel the benefits, addictive. Playing forever means dropping dead after a life well used.