15 May As 116-Year Old Passes, Whither the Age Limit?

So much to consider with the passing of nearly 117-year old Susannah Mushatt Jones here in New York City the other day. There’s now only one person documented alive who was born before 1900 (Ms. Jones was born in 1899). Though blind in recent years she was apparently in reasonable health until the last year or so. And we’d better get used to the centenarians: the Census says that the number of people over 100 in just the US grew from 32,194 in 1980 to 53,364 in 2010. By the way nearly 83% of the 2010 crowd is female. They are even now keeping track of “supercentenarians” who are over 110 (though only about 49 of these are known).

There was a billboard recently in NYC that said, “The first person to live to 150 has already been born.” Medical advances, better treatments for cancer, and healthier lifestyles have helped. What’s coming? The Human Genome Project’s impact on medical research that could help cure or prevent many diseases including cancer, sooner rather than later. The 3D printer is being researched to be used to create replacement organs that are exact duplicates of yours.

The societal implications are huge. Social Security will need a lot more money. Our health care system and Medicare will be deluged. Hallmark will have to designate “Great-Great-Great Grandparents Day.” The growth of the Earth’s population may face constraints. Let’s hope that our leaders (and potential leaders) are thinking about this as they ponder their policy views on these topics.