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The last thing you ever want to do is extend the period of…

“The last thing you ever want to do is extend the period of frailty and disability and make people unhealthy for a longer time period. So lifespan extension in and of itself should not be the goal of medicine, nor should it be the goal of public health, nor should it be the goal of aging science.” quote by S. Jay Olshansky
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“The last thing you ever want to do is extend the period of frailty and disability and make people unhealthy for a longer time period. So lifespan extension in and of itself should not be the goal of medicine, nor should it be the goal of public health, nor should it be the goal of aging science.”

S. Jay Olshansky

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Extending life without health is undesirable; medicine should aim for healthy longevity, not just longer years.

In simple terms: Long life should be healthy, not just longer.

Key Takeaway

Prioritize health over mere lifespan extension.

Themes

health aging medicine public health longevity

Mood

concerned thoughtful

Type

ethical policy.

When to use this quote

  • elder care policy
  • clinical trials
  • patient counseling
  • healthcare budgeting

Key Concepts

bioethics quality of life preventive care

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can we ensure added years are healthy?
  • What policies balance lifespan and healthspan?
A Different Perspective

Longer life may increase chronic disease burden and costs.

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