Outline of life extension

Outline of Life Extension

Life extension (pronounced: /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 rooted in the science of gerontology. The term itself is believed to have been coined in the 20th century.

Related Terms

Gerontology: The study of the social, cultural, psychological, cognitive, and biological aspects of aging.
Senescence: The condition or process of deterioration with age.
Biogerontology: A sub-field of gerontology concerned with the biological aging process, its evolutionary origins, and potential means to intervene in the process.
Cryonics: Low-temperature preservation of people who cannot be sustained by contemporary medicine, with the hope that resuscitation and restoration to full health may be possible in the far future.
Caloric restriction: A dietary regimen that reduces food intake without incurring malnutrition.
Rejuvenation: The 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 transplantation of living cells, tissues or organs from one species to another.

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Outline of life extension