Andrew Steele at ARDD2024: Longevity science , medicine and advocacy

Summary

The video discusses the challenges and opportunities in advancing longevity science, focusing on the need for policy engagement and public education. The speaker highlights the lack of unified efforts in Europe and the absence of dedicated research funding, advocating for a centralized voice to drive policy change. They also propose creating a documentary to raise awareness of longevity science and its ethical implications. Additionally, the video explores the integration of aging research with other health sectors, such as mental health, to create a broader, more impactful conversation about extending human lifespan.

Takeaways

• 😀 Longevity science is advancing, but there is a need for stronger policy engagement and public awareness, especially in Europe.
• 😀 Despite several organizations in the longevity space, no group is effectively producing policy white papers or engaging governments on this topic.
• 😀 There is a significant gap in Europe for a unified voice advocating for longevity science and policy reform.
• 😀 The speaker aims to create an institute that will centralize efforts to bring longevity science to global attention, with a focus on policy and public education.
• 😀 Funding is crucial for the speaker's vision to create an institute and a documentary focused on longevity science and its ethical implications.
• 😀 The speaker's documentary project will address the science of aging and the need for more investment in scientific research funding, tackling topics like inequality of access to treatments.
• 😀 The speaker's book and YouTube content are available to explore ethical questions related to longevity science and provide more in-depth insights into these issues.
• 😀 Mental health and aging are intertwined, with social isolation and physical limitations possibly contributing to depression in older adults.
• 😀 A wider collaboration between longevity research and other health sectors, like mental health and cancer research, is essential for progress.
• 😀 Organizations like Cancer Research UK are beginning to recognize the connection between aging and various diseases, indicating a growing interest in integrating longevity science into broader healthcare research.

Q & A

What is the main objective of the speaker in the transcript?

The main objective of the speaker is to highlight the importance of policy engagement in longevity science and to propose the creation of an institute to advance this field. They aim to address the gap in policy work, raise awareness, and educate the public on the ethical and scientific aspects of longevity.

Why does the speaker believe there is a gap in policy work related to longevity science?

The speaker believes that while there are several organizations focusing on scientific research or media coverage of longevity, none are dedicated to creating policy white papers or directly engaging with governments to promote longevity science. This gap has resulted in a lack of unified policy direction.

What does the speaker think about existing longevity documentaries?

The speaker acknowledges that existing documentaries, like *Limitless with Chris Hemsworth*, have been successful in attracting audiences but critiques them for not delving deeply into the science and ethical issues surrounding longevity. They express a desire to create a documentary that would address these gaps.

What is the speaker seeking in terms of funding for their institute?

The speaker is seeking philanthropic donations to help fund the creation of an institute focused on longevity science. This institute would be responsible for creating policy reports, raising awareness, and engaging the public and policymakers on longevity issues.

What challenge does the speaker face in Europe regarding longevity science?

The speaker highlights that there is a significant gap in longevity science policy and awareness in Europe. They mention the dissolution of an all-party parliamentary group for longevity in the UK in 2023, which further emphasizes the lack of formal policy engagement on this side of the Atlantic.

How does the speaker propose to address the ethical concerns surrounding longevity science?

The speaker proposes producing educational content, such as a documentary, and offering resources like their book, which contains chapters on the ethics of treating aging. They aim to provide answers to questions the public may have regarding the ethical implications of longevity research.

What role does mental health play in the speaker's vision of longevity science?

The speaker acknowledges the interrelationship between aging and mental health, noting that older individuals may suffer from depression due to isolation or physical limitations. They advocate for further research into how mental health influences aging and the need for collaboration between longevity science and other health fields.

How does the speaker view the potential integration of longevity science with other healthcare fields like cancer research?

The speaker sees the integration of longevity science with other healthcare fields, such as cancer research, as crucial. They mention that aging could be a contributing factor to diseases like cancer and stress the importance of working with established organizations, like Cancer Research UK, to incorporate longevity into broader health initiatives.

What is the purpose of the speaker's YouTube channel and other online resources?

The speaker's YouTube channel and other online resources aim to provide accessible information about longevity science. They have answered ethical and scientific questions related to aging and treatment, with the goal of educating the public and fostering a deeper understanding of the field.

What is the ultimate goal the speaker hopes to achieve through their work?

The ultimate goal of the speaker is to create a unified voice in longevity science that can influence policy, educate the public, and promote broader discussions about the ethical implications of aging research. They want to build an institute, raise awareness, and collaborate with other fields to advance the science of longevity.