Priorities in the use of research into ageing.
This paper considers which applications of research into ageing should be supported. It assumes that both applications which enhance the quality of life for the elderly and applications which extend the life-span are desirable, and then considers which should be prioritised. It is argued that in the present state of our knowledge and under present social and medical conditions there are a number of reasons for favouring the improvement of the quality of life over increasing the life-span, and thinking that this is likely to do more good and for more people.
Lesser
Harry
H
University of Manchester, Dover Street, Manchester M13 9PL, United Kingdom. anthony.h.lesser@btinternet.com
D000368:Aged; D000375:Aging; D035843:Biomedical Research / Q000145:classification / Q000191:economics*; D005853:Geriatrics / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008136:Longevity; D011788:Quality of Life; D012106:Research; D012109:Research Support as Topic / Q000941:ethics / Q000592:standards*; D040841:Resource Allocation; D012935:Social Justice