June 23 2008 / by futuretalk
Category: Other Year: General Rating: 8 Hot
By Dick Pelletier
The World Health Organization describes good health as “a state
of complete physical, mental, and social well-being”. This sounds
like utopia, but what does it actually mean? 
Besides family, friends, a faithful pet, and plenty of clean
air and sunshine, what else contributes to our well-being? We could
add feeling happy, feeling smart, and being in control of our
bodies.
According to a recent article in New Scientist Magazine, most
people enjoy the conveniences in today’s modern homes – air
conditioning, entertainment, appliances, etc. Cars also provide
freedom and joy on the open road; and the Internet empowers us with
easy access to information and new ways to communicate with
friends.
Modern drugs prevent or delay the onset of heart disease,
cancer, and mental disorders, which give us greater control over
our bodies.
But life has not always been this good: 100 years ago, average
lifespan was in the 40’s. Child mortality, malaria, TB,
malnutrition, and warfare were the most common culprits that
brought life to an end. Yet, in spite of living short,
disease-ridden lives, our ancestors survived.
My great grandmother lived from 1855 to 1946. At a young age,
she left her home in Indiana and headed west. She married,
homesteaded a farm, and gave birth to 15 children. This would be
difficult for many, but Grandma was tough. Fortunately for me, she
survived and our lineage continued. (cont.)
Times are much better today. Lifespan has nearly doubled since
Grandma’s generation. A growing number of people now enjoy good
health into their 90’s and beyond; and the future looks even
brighter ahead.
Encouraged by recent RNAi genetic discoveries and stem cell
possibilities, scientists are racing to conquer all disease and
even create enhancements for a healthy body. Changing body height,
facial features – even personality – might all be possible in the
near future.
Intelligence expert Joseph LeDoux, in his book “Synaptic Self”,
explains how nurture and nature both help the brain create a sense
of “self”. And the future looks even brighter, LeDoux says. “By as
early as the 2020s, powerful neural computers could enable our
brains to think faster and instantly recall any thought, dream, or
feeling.”
Even more amazing, AI entrepreneur Ray Kurzweil claims that in
the 2030s, technologies could allow us to copy, or “upload” our
mind, memories, feelings – all that describe us as an individual –
and store that copy in a safe place for later transferring to a new
body should something happen to the original.
Will this mind-boggling future happen? Driven by commerce and an
innate desire to improve, most futurists say it will. Humans are
forever searching for better health and happiness, and technology
points the way.
Someday our grandchildren (and us too, should we survive) might
look back at early 21st century life and wonder how we ever lived
in such a hazardous world – much as we view the primitive
conditions our ancestors experienced.
The future is ours and it’s filled with miracles. Stay positive,
keep healthy, and enjoy.
Comment Thread ()
