Average life expectancy for Canadians born in
the year 1900 was about 57 years. A hundred years later in the year 2000, it had
increased by 23 years to almost 80. This translates to an increase of almost
one-year of average lifespan for every four years that passed. Closer
examination, however, suggests that much of the increased average duringthe past
century was due to progress in reducing mortality of infants, children, and
young adults. The actual increase in the number of additional years of expected
life for an individual who reached the age of 60 was relatively small during the
last century.
Current developments in biochemistry and
medicine, however, suggest that we could see much more substantial increases in
average lifespan occurring in the next few decades and that most of the increase
could be in the number of years of expected life after age 60. The possibility
of increasing median life expectancy past 90, 100, or even well beyond raises
serious questions, however, about the social, economic, political, and ethical
implications of this change. For example, increased lifespan will likely require
increasing the age of retirement and this may reduce opportunities for younger
Canadian's entering the workforce and housing market.
This roundtable
explores the ethical implications of the social changes that will accompany any
significant change in future life expectancy. The discussion will explore
questions about how we will address social changes and what values we, as a
society, can use to guide us through the process. It is open to all who are
interested in the social consequences of an aging population.
The
Roundtable will be held after Friday night supper from 8:00 PM - 10:00 PM at
Faculty Club. You can provide topics for discussion when you register or by
emailing the organizer.
In addition to the Bioethics Roundtable at the
Faculty Club other events occurring at the same time are a the
Scientific
Roundtable or of a lighter nature, the
Rutherford House Reception.
Bioethics Panel Discussion Topics
- It is unethical to have anti-ageing/rejuvenation therapy available only for the rich. It is a matter of survival therefore it should be available and affordable for all citizens of Alberta.
- Nicholas Dzuiba
