Life extension
Life Extension
Life extension (/laɪf ɪkˈstɛnʃən/) is the study of slowing down or reversing the processes of aging to extend both the maximum and average lifespan. The ability to achieve this, however, does not currently exist. Some researchers in this area, and "life extensionists", "immortalists" or "longevists" (those who wish to achieve longer lives themselves), believe that future breakthroughs in tissue rejuvenation with stem cells, molecular repair, and organ replacement (such as with artificial organs or xenotransplantation) will eventually enable humans to have indefinite lifespans through complete rejuvenation to a youthful condition.
The term "life extension" is a modern concept and its origins are relatively recent. The term itself is derived from the words "life" (from Old English 'lif', of Germanic origin; related to Dutch 'lijf' and German 'Leib') and "extension" (from Latin 'extensio', from extendere 'stretch out').
Related Terms
- Aging: The process of becoming older, a process that is genetically determined and environmentally modulated.
- Biogerontology: The study of the biological aging process.
- Gerontology: The study of the social, cultural, psychological, cognitive, and biological aspects of aging.
- Senescence: The condition or process of deterioration with age.
- Longevity: The fact of living for many years.
- Rejuvenation: The action or process of making someone or something look or feel better, younger, or more vital.
- Stem cells: Undifferentiated biological cells that can differentiate into specialized cells and can divide to produce more stem cells.
- Xenotransplantation: The process of grafting or transplanting organs or tissues between members of different species.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Life extension
- Wikipedia's article - Life extension
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