Cada, is there somewhere you can point us to with a precis of Dr Nuland's position?

I think my Dad had the right idea when it came to aging - never give in. He died two years ago now, but in the eulogy I quoted from Tennyson's poem Ulysses. "To seek, to strive, to find, and not to yield." I also used to like Dylan Thomas's "Do not go gentle into that good night/Rage, rage against the dying of the light."

There needs to be activity and determination, or there can be no grace.

Cada, interesting post.

Dr Nuland, as far as I understand from a quick google, says it is likely that our average lifespan will increase to about 120.
I agree that this is a possibility.

My questions would be:
1. As our lifespan increases, does Dr Nuland expect that new diseases relating to aging will emergy?

2. What is Dr Nuland's stand on euthanasia (voluntary, of course)?
It's a good thing that our lifespan increases when we can keep enjoying life in fairly good health- but for those who have to face unmanageable pain and suffering with no positive outlook, should there be the option of a dignified dead rather than a long process of suffering?

Cada, I look forward to news about the interview- perhaps you can put up a link here later?

Thanks Foxy, GrahamY and Celivia.. all for your suggested questions.

After I've done the interview and uploaded it onto the SBS website, I shall certainly post a link to the story here.

A few questions:

Are any Super foods that might help in keeping healthier in old age or are we really just a slave to our genes?

Are there any additives and preservatives (chemicals) we should avoid in foods? I have heard that nitrites (or is it nitrates) used in preserving luncheon meats are a big no no as far as greatly increasing your cancer risks.

What changes will society have to make to accommodate a longer lifespan?

Thanks Cada. Will look out for the story.

The art to ageing is to embrace it whole heartedly.
Get up WHEN YOU PLEASE in the morning, make whatever you please for breakfast, enjoy each cup of whatever and then contemplate the lovely day.Relax in the peace and quiet,[ if you cannot- remember -rowdy ,clamourous mornings of finding shoes, homework, fighting kids, whining kids,screechy kids- ]and relax in the peace of your nice, tidy home. Then plan your leisurely day [-if you cannot- remember- the rat race of working, rearing your mob and running ,running with never enough time ].
Have a nice easy lunch of what ever you please. Read if you want, garden if you want, do what ever you want 'cause the day is yours.
After your evening meal, watch YOUR choice of television and go to your peaceful nights rest .
Life is never boring when you are older, there is so much choice and all of it is yours to enjoy,. Tend to your own needs, love yourself and enjoy most of all, the tranquillity that comes with ageing.

Hi again everyone. Thanks for contributing your ideas and question angles.

I have interviewed Dr Sherwin Nuland; you can hear it as a podcast by clicking on the following link:

http://www20.sbs.com.au/podcasting/index.php?action=feeddetails&feedid=12&id=10596

I'd like to be able to post similar threads in the future..., before I interview authors and other interesting people!

cada