Aging, Biotechnology, and the Future [Hardcover]

Catherine Y. Read (Editor), Robert C. Green (Editor), Michael A. Smyer (Editor)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0801887887 | ISBN-13: 978-0801887888 | Publication Date: May 15, 2008 | Edition: 1

This wide-ranging, multidisciplinary collection examines how advances in medicine and technology are affecting the aging process and the lives of elderly persons.

In analyzing the state of biotechnology, these essays applaud the positive—extended longevity and the potential for greater quality of life—while probing such ethical quandaries as presymptomatic genetic testing, therapeutic cloning, antiaging technologies, and the transhumanist movement. The volume includes discussions about the respective roles of health care professionals, government, and individuals in shaping a workable regulatory framework and unifying multiple perspectives to make the biotechnology revolution beneficial to all.

Featuring contributions from renowned scholars of religion, ethics, philosophy, psychology, law, medicine and nursing, and gerontology, Aging, Biotechnology, and the Future illuminates the promises and perils of growing old in the biomedical age.

Contributors: George J. Annas, Jessica Brommelhoff, Lisa Sowle Cahill, Margaret Gatz, Pamela J. Grace, Robert C. Green, Fernando A. Guerra, Rose M. Harvey, Kathy J. Horvath, Ann C. Hurley, Robert Lanza, Karen Lebacqz, Erin Linnenbringer, Maxwell J. Mehlman, Toni P. Miles, Sarah Moses, Thomas T. Perls, Leonard W. Poon, Catherine Y. Read, J. Scott Roberts, Diane Scott-Jones, Thomas A. Shannon, Richard L. Sprott, Rosemarie Tong, Laurie Zoloth

(2008)

Editorial Reviews

Review

This is a brilliant and useful book that summarizes much information from different points of view into a unified whole... So vibrant in its clarity, so audacious in its thinking, it adds much to the luster of this remarkable book, one that deserves a wide readership.

(Doody's Review Service 2009)

A comprehensive yet concise, simple-to-read synopsis of the issue involving modern biotechnology/aging research... Highly recommended.

(Choice 2009)

A thought-provoking starting point for anyone interested in the varied and reciprocal implications of population aging and developments in biotechnology.

(Stephen J. Cutler, PhD Gerontologist )

An approachable... collection of essays

(Gareth Southwell Metapsychology )

About the Author

Catherine Y. Read, Ph.D., R.N., is an associate professor of adult health and associate dean of the Undergraduate Program at the Boston College School of Nursing. Robert C. Green, M.D., M.P.H., is a professor of neurology, medicine, and epidemiology at the Boston University School of Medicine. Michael A. Smyer, Ph.D., is a professor of psychology and director of the Center on Aging and Work at Boston College. He is the coeditor of Challenges of an Aging Society, also published by Johns Hopkins.

(2009)

Product Details

• Hardcover: 296 pages
• Publisher: The Johns Hopkins University Press; 1 edition (May 15, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0801887887
• ISBN-13: 978-0801887888
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.1 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,857,618 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Reads Like a Rebuttal To Aubrey De Grey and the Anti-Aging Movement, April 8, 2009

By 

Jay Gandhi - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Aging, Biotechnology, and the Future (Hardcover)

This book is light on science and heavy on the editorial comments about the growing movement to slow or reverse aging and to create designer babies. The articles seem to find these ideas immoral and unethical and unfair to the world as a whole. While I agree that the Third World and poor people will probably be last to be served by new technology, it sadly is already the way the world is now. Poor people, especially African-Americans have lower life expectancy than rich people. And poor countries generally, Cuba being one exception, have lower life expectancy than richer countries like the USA and Western Europe.

But the book is not optimistic about anti-aging and biotechnology. The science is pretty skimpy, I did not learn anything new about stem cells or biotechnology.

I suppose if you are against the Aubrey De Grey movement and the ideas of expanding lifespans and creating designer babies, this book will be a good resource. For others, like me, this book is a bit of a downer. I am still convinced that rejuvenation therapies and creating "perfect" babies are a GOOD thing for society. Who wants to get become sickly and frail? And who wants their children to ever suffer from disease?