Finding the Fountain of Youth: The Science and Controversy behind Extending Life and Cheating Death

by Aharon W. Zorea

Overview

Separating truth from hype, this book introduces readers to the topic of life extension in a holistic manner that provides scientific, historical, and cultural perspectives.

While the story of 16th-century explorer Juan Ponce de León futilely searching for the Fountain of Youth is likely a myth, it is true that for many centuries, mankind has sought "a cure for aging." Today, the anti-aging and longevity industry is a multibillion-dollar industry, and medical advances are continuing to find ways to add to our time on earth. Finding the Fountain of Youth: The Science and Controversy behind Extending Life and Cheating Death introduces readers to the topic of life extension in a holistic manner, examining the topic through scientific, historical, and cultural perspectives. It also highlights key medical and ethical controversies related to this particular area of gerontology and serves as a gateway for further research and study.

The book's chapters address the history of movements to remain youthful, from ancient times through the modern era; past medical advances that significantly extended the average lifespan; and our cultural obsession with "staying young" that has spawned the anti-aging industry. Readers will learn about basic principles of aging and anti-aging, as well as the science behind the methods—both proven and hypothetical—that serve to extend the lifespan. The final section of the book examines controversial issues and debates related to life extension, such as global overpopulation, length of life versus quality of life, and socioeconomic concerns.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781440837982
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Academic
Publication date:	04/26/2017
Pages:	408
Product dimensions:	7.00(w) x 10.00(h) x 0.93(d)

About the Author

Aharon W. Zorea, MA, PhD, is professor of history at the University of Wisconsin–Platteville, USA.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments xi

Introduction 1

The Many Faces of Antiaging and the Fountain of Youth 2

The Skeptics 4

The Layout of the Book 6

Section 1 The History of Antiaging from Myth to Modern Science: A Chronological History of an Idea 9

Chapter 1 Myth, Magic, and Folklore: Immortality in the Eras before Science 11

The Story of the Story of the Fountain of Youth 11

Death Defiance in Ancient Religious Mythology 16

The Fountain in Secular Mythology 23

Mythology in Precivilized Societies 31

Conclusion 36

Chapter 2 Changes in Religious Faith and the Rise of Antiaging Science 39

Polytheism and the Eastern Religions 40

Alchemy: The Strange Journey West 47

The Specter of Immortality in the West 52

Conclusion 55

Chapter 3 Enlightened Aging 59

The Belief in Progress 60

Christian Humanism: From Hygiene to Alchemy to Natural Philosophy 66

The Birth of Secular Science: From Overpopulation to Evolution and Freud 75

Conclusion 90

Chapter 4 Antiaging in the Industrial Age 91

Progress and the Industrial Machine 92

The Challenge to Progressivism 99

The Return to Progressivism 106

Conclusion 111

Chapter 5 Antiaging in the 21st Century: From Theory to Practice 115

Antiaging Techniques of the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s 117

Pathway to the Human Genome Project 129

The War between Antiaging and Longevity 139

Conclusion 148

Section 2 Modern Paths to the Fountain of Youth: A Topical Approach to the Practice of Antiaging 151

Chapter 6 What Is Life, That We May Extend it? 153

Traditional View: Religious Spirit 154

Modern Evolutionary Biology View 158

Balanced Overview 162

Conclusion 165

Chapter 7 What Is Death, That We Might Delay It? 167

Basic Definitions 168

Characteristics of Advanced Aging 171

Theories of Aging 172

Balanced Overview 179

Conclusion 181

Chapter 8 What Makes Us Look Younger? 183

The Market for Youth 184

Types of Antiaging Cosmetic Procedures 189

Conclusion 194

Chapter 9 What Makes Us Feel Younger? 195

Successful Aging 196

Thinking and Acting Younger 204

Conclusion 210

Chapter 10 What Kills Us (and How Can We Escape)? 213

Age-related Conditions 215

Age-related Diseases 224

Conclusion 234

Chapter 11 What Can We Do Now to Extend Our Lives without a Prescription? 237

Defensive Biochemistry 238

Lifestyle Changes 239

Superfoods 243

Antiaging Diets 251

Supplements 260

Conclusion 274

Chapter 12 What Can We Do Now to Extend Our Lives with a Prescription and Future Technology? 279

Proactive Biochemistry 280

Future Technologies 297

Conclusion 313

Section 3 Views from the Experts: An Anthology of Views on the Implications of a Successful Antiaging Movement from a Spectrum of Disciplines 317

Question: Can Science Really Develop a Fountain of Youth? 319

Yes-The prospect of eventually finding a scientific equivalent of the fountain of youth is possible, eventually Joao Pedro de Magalhães 320

No-The human life span is not easily adjustable, but longer lives of healthy living are possible S. Jay Olshansky 322

Question: Does Youthfulness Breed Recklessness? 325

Yes-If society remains preoccupied by youthful lifestyles and neglects wisdom, it will breed recklessness Jill A. Rinzel) 326

Maybe-Persistent youthful immaturity is determined by individuals' character, not age Gregory Nathan Johnson 328

No-An older population will likely result in more conservative behaviors Jeffrey Kleiman 331

Question: Will the Benefits of Very Long Life Spans Outweigh the Social Costs? 333

No-The price of radical life extension is greater than mere money Nicholas Agar 334

No-The overemphasis on vitality will likely undermine the subtle nature of moral character Dale Murray 336

Yes-Extended life spans will not substantially change human nature Jeffrey Kleiman 338

Question: How Would a Successful Antiaging Technology Affect Faith? 341

Jewish View-Immortality is promised by God, but only faith can secure it Rabbi Tuvia Bolton 342

Catholic View-The quest for life on earth distracts from the ultimate reality of life in heaven Bishop Robert Morlino 344

Islamic View-Mortal death is inevitable, and the promise of a fountain of youth is deceptive to both faith and man Amer Haleem 346

Protestant View-The fountain of youth attempts to substitute divine salvation with human salvation Rev. Louis Kinsey 348

Agnostic View-Extended life provides new opportunities for learning, rendering faith less necessary Jeffrey Kleiman 351

Atheist View-Religious faith suppresses the natural evolution that human technology promises Zoltan Istvan 353

References for Further Reading 355

About the Author and Contributors 367

Index 371

Editorial Reviews

Educators can find many uses for incorporating this book into their courses. The author succeeds in his purposive healing by covering the physical, intellectual, and emotional journey of faith regarding the search for the fountain of youth. Summing Up: Recommended. All readers.” —Choice

“Diverse reading populations are likely to find this information of interest. . . . The biomedical history in particular is worth reading. All but school libraries serving young children should consider it.” —ARBAonline

From the Publisher